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

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from a distance with freeway and trees in foreground.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods

A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

3 hours ago - USC Dornsife

Aerial view of Claifornia aqueduct with green orchard on one side.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy

California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

4 hours ago - Turlock Journal

Close-up of older woman's hands resting on white modern heating radiator mounted on wall indoors.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program

The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.

5 hours ago - The New York Times