First US Hydrogen Public Utility to Launch in California

The project will serve as an intermediary between clean hydrogen providers and consumers.

1 minute read

January 31, 2025, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


White hydrogen tank.

magann / Adobe Stock

Two California cities are launching the country’s first hydrogen public utility, reports Emma Penrod in Smart Cities Dive.

Officials with First Public Hydrogen, or FPH2, which will serve the cities of Lancaster and Industry, say they hope to continue funding the project even without federal tax credits. “While there are challenges at the national level, we believe the combination of 45V incentives and state-level initiatives will drive the necessary growth in renewable energy and hydrogen production to achieve scale,” said Lancaster mayor Rex Perris.

“The hydrogen utility plans to serve as an aggregator between suppliers of hydrogen and would-be customers, including municipalities, other public utilities, transit agencies, and private sector companies in industries such as logistics, shipping and transportation,”  according to the mayor.

“By acting as a public intermediary between buyers and sellers of hydrogen, FPH2 aims to make hydrogen more accessible, affordable and transparent, Parris said in an interview with Utility Dive.” The project plans to begin delivering hydrogen to customers by early 2026.

Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City