Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (Nikkiso CE&IG) and WestAir have announced that they are building a hybrid H₂ trailer and fueling station designed to reduce boil-off gas losses close to zero.

While H₂ fueling stations have been built across the world – including more than 35 by Nikkiso CE&IG – the project in Long Beach, California being led by independent gas distributor WestAir and Nikkiso CE&IG will both fuel vehicles directly via an H35 dispenser and also fill trailers for onward distribution.

H₂ is well known to have significant potential for clean energy use, but as the lightest molecule with a high escape rate, boil-off during storage has a significant impact. By combining H₂ dispensing and trailer loading – plus a boil-off gas compressor – the station is designed to bring boil-off gas losses close to zero.

Alongside the ability to upgrade the station to higher-pressure H70 fueling in future, the investment generates further momentum behind southern California’s growing H₂ economy by adding to the number of liquid-based distribution points – essential in supporting emerging H₂ technologies and infrastructure growth throughout the region.

Mike Mackey, President of Fueling Solutions at Nikkiso CE&IG, said, “Nikkiso CE&IG has a tradition of innovation going back decades, including in the engineering and installation of liquid H₂ fueling stations.

“Alongside WestAir, we’re proud that this record of innovation will continue as together we become one of the first to offer this level of flexibility in a H₂ fueling station. We’re delighted to be partnering with WestAir and looking forward to combining our end-to-end expertise with their commitment to this emerging industry.”

Chris Castiglione, Energy Specialist at WestAir Gases & Equipment, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Nikkiso, a global leader in pumps, systems, and precision equipment manufacturing, on our new H₂ fueling station in Long Beach.

“Strategically located near the Port, this facility is ideally positioned to support zero-emission road freight throughout California. This station represents a crucial step in our commitment to building a clean transit future and making H₂-powered transportation a practical reality for the commercial sector.”

Fabrication of the Long Beach station will be carried out by Nikkiso CE&IG specialists based in southern California. Commissioning work on site will start in Q4 2025, with the station expected to be fully operational by Q1 2026.

About the facility

• H₂ dispensing: 350 bar (H35) for transit buses. Future expansion ready to 700 bar (H70)
• Storage capacity: LH₂ storage tank with advanced insulation system
• Fueling capabilities:
  • Transit bus filling at 350 bar
  • Tube trailer filing for H₂ distribution
  • Multiple simultaneous filling operations
• Compression system: Redundant cryogenic pumps with buffer storage
• Loading bars: Dual loading bays for tube trailers (500 bar)
• Control system: Advanced automation for safe, efficient operations
• Flowrate: Up to 120 kg/hr at 500 bar.