Heartland Hydrogen Project

With the capacity to generate 30 metric tons of liquid green hydrogen per day via solar photovoltaic energy generated onsite and reclaimed water from the City of Mendota, the Heartland Hydrogen project is the first of its kind proposed at utility scale on the West Coast.

Why does this project matter?

When completed, this multifaceted project located in western Fresno County will provide a significant new source of renewable transportation fuel using only green energy sources (solar and treated wastewater) and emitting only oxygen. The project will generate 300 megawatts of solar power, up to 160,000 gallons of recycled water, and up to 30 metric tons of hydrogen fuel each day to power zero-emission on-road and off-road vehicles, and will contribute greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits associated with decarbonization of the transportation sector.

What is ESA doing to help?

At this intersection of water and energy and with an eye on environmental resource considerations relevant to California’s clean energy future, ESA’s resource experts are completing a series of technical studies and an Environmental Impact Report in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on behalf of Fresno County and the City of Mendota.

As part of our work, we are analyzing several key considerations, including impacts to land zoned for agriculture, water supply, safety, biological resources, cultural resources, air quality, and transportation. Our team will also perform a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, conduct noise modeling, and create visual simulations of the proposed project components.