Clean Energy will design and build a new hydrogen fueling station for Riverside Transit Agency in California.
This is the second transportation project awarded to Clean Energy for hydrogen fueling in the Inland Empire region of southern California. The first built was the station for Foothill Transit Agency in Pomona, Calif., last year.
The contract also includes the supply of hydrogen and maintenance services for the private access, purpose-built station in Riverside. Initially, RTA plans to operate five fuel cell buses, once the station is operational and plans to grow its fleet to over 100 hydrogen-powered buses over the next decade.
“This project reflects our commitment to fostering healthier communities by advancing clean energy solutions and is a critical milestone as we move to a zero-emission vehicle fleet,” said Jeremy Smith, Board Chair at Riverside Transit Agency. “We are driving innovation while addressing the need for environmentally responsible solutions.”
Moreover, RTA will purchase five 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell electric buses after receiving a $5.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This supports the agency’s plan of transitioning its bus fleet to zero-emissions vehicles, expected to run in phases, beginning 2026.
Hydrogen does not contain carbon in its molecular chain, so does not emit CO2 when combusted. Fuel cells use an electrochemical process to convert gases to electricity. Many e-mobility experts contend that hydrogen fuel cells offer greater range and shorter refueling than electric trucks or buses.
Clean Energy develops renewable natural gas (RNG) infrastructure for the transportation market. The company operates more than 600 RNG fueling stations across the U.S. and Canada, developing its supply through RNG production facilities at dairy farms nationwide.
In November, Clean Energy worked with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts to open an expanded RNG station in Carson. One month earlier, the company and Tourmaline opened new compressed natural gas fueling stations in western Canada.
