Frontier Energy, Inc., GTI Energy, and the Center for Electromechanics at The University of Texas at Austin, hosted the grand opening of a H₂ research and demonstration facility. It was developed as part of the “Demonstration and Framework for H2@Scale in Texas and Beyond” project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) H₂ and Fuel Cell Technologies Office. This first-of-its-kind H₂ proto-hub is a significant leap forward in the clean H₂ economy.

More than twenty industry stakeholders and sponsors are involved in this effort, which will showcase technology needed to expand H₂’s role in decarbonization while also raising awareness of H₂ as a clean energy source.

The facility will generate zero-carbon H₂ using water electrolysis powered by solar and wind energy, as well as steam methane reformation of renewable natural gas from a Texas landfill. The H₂ will power a stationary fuel cell for clean, reliable power for the Texas Advanced Computing Center and supply zero-emission fuel to a fleet of Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicles and to fuel cell drones. This approach marks the first time that multiple renewable H₂ supplies and multiple end uses have been networked at a single location to demonstrate a scalable, economical H₂ ecosystem.

Launched in 2020, the H2@Scale project aims to develop and demonstrate paths to renewable H₂ as a clean and cost-effective fuel. The facility is both a unique academic research center, as well as a model for future large-scale H₂ deployments, showcasing a fully integrated H₂ ecosystem that includes production, distribution, storage, and end-use.

As part of the project, a recently released study, "A Framework for H₂ in Texas," highlights Texas' strong position for clean H₂ production. The state's existing H₂ infrastructure and abundant wind and solar resources make it a prime candidate to help meet the world’s H₂ demand.

“We launched the H2@Scale initiative with our labs years ago to pave the way for pilot projects that help advance both clean H₂ innovation and scale up,” said Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Director, DOE H₂ and Fuel Cell Technologies Office and H₂ Program Coordinator. “I am so pleased to see this project underway to help guide future larger scale clean H₂ deployments and make progress on America’s clean H₂ strategy.”

"H2@Scale isn't just about producing low-carbon energy, it's about creating clean energy growth opportunities for communities throughout Texas and the nation,” said Adam Walburger, President, Frontier Energy. “By harnessing renewable energy resources to create zero-carbon H₂, we can power homes, businesses, transportation, and agriculture – all while creating jobs and reducing emissions.”

“Through public-private partnerships enabled by H2@Scale, DOE continues to build on its role as an accelerator for the collaborative early-stage research, development, and demonstrations needed for effective energy system transitions,” said Paula Gant, President and CEO, GTI Energy. “By demonstrating a fully integrated H₂ ecosystem, H2@Scale is a proving ground for the powerful potential of large-scale Regional Clean H₂ Hubs in building a robust H₂ economy in ways that benefit local communities whether through skilled job creation, cleaner air or strengthened energy access.”

“H2@Scale in Texas builds on nearly two decades of UT leadership in H₂ research and development. With this facility, we aim to provide the educated workforce and the engineering data needed for success,” said Michael Lewis, Research Scientist, UT Austin Center for Electromechanics. “Beyond the current project, the H₂ research facility is well-positioned for growth and impact in the emerging clean H₂ industry.”

Participants in the DOE-funded HyVelocity Gulf Coast H₂ Hub are poised to gain valuable insights from the H2@Scale project at UT Austin, which will inform the development of a comprehensive H₂ network across the region.