As Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on October 8 approaches, it’s a great time to highlight the significant strides being made in hydrogen as a transportation fuel, a vital component in our journey towards a sustainable and zero-emissions future. In the right application, hydrogen can help fleets cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduce operating costs, and provide environmental and social benefits to our communities. Trillium Energy Solutions (Trillium) is at the forefront of this movement, playing a critical role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation through innovative hydrogen fueling solutions.
Pioneering Hydrogen Infrastructure
In 2020, Trillium made a groundbreaking achievement by developing and constructing one of the first and largest hydrogen fueling stations in the U.S. for heavy-duty vehicles at the Orange County Transportation Authority in Southern California. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era in sustainable transportation, as hydrogen fuel cells began to emerge as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Building on this success, Trillium achieved another significant milestone by designing, building, and currently operating an onsite hydrogen production and fueling facility for the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District in Illinois.
These stations represent the backbone of Trillium’s growing hydrogen fueling infrastructure expertise, offering reliable and efficient refueling options for fleets committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Trillium is poised to further expand its hydrogen refueling network and is in the process of designing three new hydrogen fueling stations in California, with target open dates in 2025 and 2026. These stations will not only bolster the existing hydrogen fueling market but also increase public awareness of hydrogen as a fuel across California. By building, maintaining, and operating these stations, Trillium is ensuring that hydrogen fuel cell buses have the support they need to thrive long term.
Building the Hydrogen Future
The increased recognition of operational and performance efficiencies that hydrogen offers for use cases such as transit agencies and long-haul trucking, is driving fleet adoption, OEM participation, and technology maturation, as well as driving down the total cost of ownership.
As Trillium eyes the next decade, we are looking to leverage our hydrogen fueling expertise beyond the transit sector and into the heavy-duty trucking market. Trillium’s expertise in hydrogen fueling positions our company as a key player in an emerging market with a lot of uncertainty. Ashish Bhakta, Manager of Business Development for Trillium’s Zero Emission Solutions business unit has been instrumental in advancing hydrogen fueling projects in the U.S. His extensive background in both the compressed natural gas (CNG) and the zero-emission markets brings a well-rounded perspective to the challenges and opportunities in this emerging space. Bhakta leads the industry in being awarded more transit hydrogen fueling infrastructure projects than any other in the U.S. and his leadership will be crucial as Trillium explores new frontiers in hydrogen fueling technology and expands its impact across multiple sectors.
“At Trillium, we’re not just building hydrogen fueling stations; we’re building the future of zero-emissions transportation. The challenges we face in the hydrogen market are very real, but we are here to face them as we remain focused on the long-term benefits of hydrogen. With each new station we develop, we’re not only advancing hydrogen fueling technology but also empowering industries to make sustainable choices that were once considered out of reach,” said Bhakta.
The cost of adopting new zero-emission technologies is considerably higher than traditional fuels but as production and supply chain expands and improves, there will be greater parity in the cost of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and fuel.
The federal government has recently allocated substantial funding, with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) committing $7 billion to establish and develop seven Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs). These hubs will serve as centralized locations for hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization, fostering innovation and scaling up the hydrogen economy. Trillium is well-positioned to contribute to this initiative, bringing its expertise in hydrogen fueling infrastructure to the forefront of this national effort. As these H2Hubs take shape, Trillium’s expertise can provide valuable insights into the future of hydrogen fueling technologies and the role these hubs will play in promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Trillium’s Legacy and Commitment to Alternative Fuels
As part of the Love’s Family of Companies, Trillium Energy Solutions celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024 as a trusted partner for alternative fuels. Our company has a long history of pioneering sustainable fueling solutions, from building nearly 300 CNG stations to expanding our footprint in electric vehicle charging.
Trillium is more than just a provider of alternative fuels; it is a visionary leader in the transition to a zero-emissions future. By expanding our hydrogen fueling network, exploring new technologies and leveraging federal initiatives like the H2Hubs, Trillium is paving the way for a sustainable and resilient energy landscape. As the world embraces the promise of hydrogen, Trillium stands ready to lead the charge, ensuring that the future of transportation is cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for generations to come. For additional information and opportunities with Trillium, please visit: loves.com/Trillium or contacttrillium@loves.com.
