[H2] Innovation Experience

Client: Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas)

Location: Downey, CA, U.S.

Business Segment: Energy Solutions

Industries: FuelsEnergy Transition

Services: Engineering and DesignProcurement

Map showing the location of [H2] Innovation Experience

Executive Summary

Fluor provided engineering, procurement and construction management services for the SoCalGas [H2] Innovation Experience in Downey, California.

This first-of-a-kind in the U.S. project aimed to show how carbon-free gas made from renewable electricity could be used in pure form or as a blend to fuel clean energy systems of the future.

Client's Challenge

SoCalGas aspires to achieve net zero emissions in its operations and the energy it delivers by 2045. Integrating hydrogen is complementary with renewable energy and could further advance the global energy transition underway. The [H2] Innovation Experience demonstrates how clean fuels like hydrogen can help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and support a lower-carbon economy.

Fluor's Solution

The home is the first fully integrated demonstration project combining solar panels, a battery, an electrolyzer to convert solar energy to hydrogen, a fuel cell to supply electricity for the home and blended hydrogen and natural gas to run home appliances. A microgrid controller manages the various power sources (solar, battery and fuel cell) to optimize power usage. Solar power will charge the battery and power the hydrogen-creating electrolyzer during the day, while the fuel cell will use the stored hydrogen to generate power in the evening.

Our scope comprised engineering, procurement services and construction management of the [H2] Innovation Experience. The services included integrating suppliers, equipment and design to develop a unique solution that met the needs of a state-of-the-art green hydrogen home. We brought our experience with hydrogen applications and renewable energy to help SoCalGas demonstrate its vision of the future.

Conclusion

The [H2] Innovation Experience was unveiled to the public in 2023. Fast Company named the project one of its World-Changing Ideas in North America, and it was recognized by Engineering-News Record California with an Award of Merit in the Energy/Industrial category.