Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis joins SoCalGas to unveil first-of-its-kind [H2] hydrogen innovation experience.
This type of clean hydrogen microgrid has the potential to deliver reliable and renewable energy around-the-clock to more than 100 homes, rain or shine, for as much as seven days.
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) Chief Executive Officer Scott Drury was joined by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis to unveil and officially power on the [H2] Innovation Experience ([H2]IE), North America’s first-of its kind, clean, renewable hydrogen microgrid and home.
The [H2] Innovation Experience offers a look at how clean, renewable hydrogen microgrids can reliably power entire neighborhoods, day and night throughout the year. This type of clean hydrogen microgrid has the potential to deliver reliable and renewable energy around-the-clock to more than 100 homes, rain or shine, for as much as seven days.
Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor said:
Innovative projects like the [H2]IE demonstrate how California is leading the clean energy transition.
“This first-of-its-kind project shows how clean renewable hydrogen and microgrids can help power homes, enhance grid reliability, and preserve and grow good-paying union jobs in our state.”
Scott Drury, SoCalGas Chief Executive Officer, said:
The [H2] Innovation Experience showcases how California can achieve two of its top policy priorities – energy reliability and decarbonization – at the same time.
“This innovative project demonstrates how the gas and electric grids – working together – can help California reach net-zero emissions more quickly, affordably, and reliably.”
Located at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in the city of Downey, the [H2] Innovation Experience is centered around a state-of-the-art microgrid that is producing clean, renewable hydrogen made from solar electricity on-site. The 2,000 square-foot home was built to adhere to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum standards and is powered by reliable and clean, renewable hydrogen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The microgrid draws power from solar panels on sunny days and converts excess energy into renewable hydrogen, which can be stored and then converted back into electricity via an on-site hydrogen fuel cell. Clean, renewable hydrogen will also be blended with natural gas and used in the home’s tankless water heater, clothes dryer, stove, fireplace, and BBQ grill.
In 2021, the [H2] Innovation Experience received a Fast Company’s World-Changing Ideas in North America Award. More recently, the Los Angeles chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council recognized the project for its sustainable innovation.
What others are saying about the [H2] Innovation Experience
James T. Slevin, president of Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, said:
The [H2]IE makes use of world-class energy infrastructure that UWUA members have built over the past century and brings the promise of fresh opportunities for tens of thousands of UWUA members who operate and maintain our infrastructure every day.
Aaron Stockwell, international representative with the United Association, said:
California needs labor to meet its ambitious plans to address climate change… and we are here.
“This project gives us a glimpse of what we can accomplish when ambition and innovation are partnered with our skilled workforce.”
Ramon Ponce de Leon, Jr., president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13, said:
As we work toward achieving California’s clean energy goals, hydrogen will play an essential role in meeting future energy demand.
“The Hydrogen Innovation Experience is an important step in realizing hydrogen’s full potential.”
“With green hydrogen, ILWU members at our vital ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach retain their good union jobs operating equipment that is clean, flexible, and cost-effective.”
Gene Hale, chairman of the Greater Los Angeles Chamber African American of Commerce, said:
Small, minority-owned businesses are the backbone of Los Angeles’ economy.
“The Los Angeles African American business community is already working to forge more sustainable communities, and we are excited to be a part of innovative projects like the [H2]IE that help bring us closer to that goal.”
George Pla, founder and CEO of Cordoba Corporation, said:
For a business like ours that builds critical infrastructure and helps diverse communities across California thrive, hydrogen represents our next infrastructure boom.
“The [H2]IE is symbolic of what this can look like in everyday lives. California is blessed with vibrant diverse businesses needed to support this next generation of energy infrastructure.”
Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO of CalChamber, said:
The [H2]IE has significant positive implications for the future of California’s businesses.
“Our businesses need access to clean and reliable energy. California’s business community is enthusiastic about this project and the promise of cleaner technologies that best meet our needs.”
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis Joins SoCalGas to Unveil First-of-its-Kind [H2] Innovation Experience, LOS ANGELES, January 30, 2023
