Hydrogen Fuel Revolution: Proteum Energy to Build $120 Million Hydrogen Plant in California

PIXLEY, Calif. – As California races toward its ambitious goal of eliminating fossil fuel emissions by 2045, hydrogen is emerging as a powerful clean energy alternative. Phoenix-based Proteum Energy is leading the charge with plans to build a $120 million hydrogen production facility near Pixley in Tulare County. The facility, named Golden State Hydrogen, is set to produce up to 35 metric tons of renewable hydrogen daily, potentially transforming heavy-duty transportation.

A Strategic Location for Clean Energy Innovation

The 104-acre site for the project is strategically located at the southwest corner of Road 120 and Avenue 120, west of Highway 99. The location offers direct proximity to key infrastructure and industries, including Calgren Renewable Fuels, which converts dairy waste into ethanol. This ethanol will serve as a feedstock for the production of liquid hydrogen.

In addition to hydrogen production, the facility will host a 23-megawatt solar farm and battery storage system, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy. The site’s zoning as an industrial area simplifies the permitting process, although final approval from the Valley Air District Board is pending.

Hydrogen: The Clean Energy Frontier

Hydrogen fuel has the potential to revolutionize sectors heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as trucking, shipping, and aviation. When consumed in a fuel cell, hydrogen generates electricity, emitting only heat and water vapor. Proteum Energy’s project aims to integrate seamlessly with California’s growing network of hydrogen refueling stations, contributing to the state’s zero-emission goals.

“This facility represents a significant step forward in California’s journey toward a clean energy future,” said Proteum CEO Laurence Tree. “The support from Tulare County and state incentives has accelerated the timeline, allowing us to bring this transformative project to life.”

Economic and Environmental Impact

The facility is expected to produce not only clean hydrogen but also 1,800 MMBtu/day of renewable natural gas, which will be distributed through Southern California Gas lines. Proteum’s innovative approach enables ethanol producers to transition from traditional gasoline blending to hydrogen production, which can even achieve a negative carbon intensity score under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

Golden State Hydrogen will bring substantial economic benefits to the region, creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The site’s integration with nearby ag and energy companies, such as California Dairies and JD Heiskell, further enhances its strategic significance.

California’s Hydrogen Hub Initiative

Proteum’s project aligns with California’s broader hydrogen infrastructure strategy. In 2023, the federal Department of Energy designated California as one of seven hydrogen hubs, granting the state up to $1.2 billion in funding for 39 hydrogen-related projects. The University of California-led consortium, ARCHES (Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems), estimates these projects will eliminate 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles, particularly in the heavy-duty transportation sector, are seen as a vital component of California’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The California Energy Commission predicts hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will play a critical role in achieving the state’s target of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.

A Vision for the Future

The Golden State Hydrogen project is part of a growing movement to harness hydrogen’s potential as a clean, sustainable energy source. With billions of dollars in investments projected for the hydrogen market, Proteum Energy is poised to lead the way.

“You see what is going on around the world, and there is a clear push to change heavy-duty transportation,” Tree stated. “Hydrogen is coming, and manufacturers are already adopting the technology.”

As California’s hydrogen infrastructure expands, projects like Golden State Hydrogen will be instrumental in driving the state toward a zero-emissions future, paving the way for cleaner air and a healthier planet.