Trillium completes construction of hydrogen station in Santa Ana, California, powering zero-emission fuel cell electric buses
Station is largest hydrogen transit refueling station in North America
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA, Feb. 4, 2020 - A zero-emission fuel is now powering Orange County Transportation Authority buses in Santa Ana, California, thanks to the largest hydrogen transit refueling station in North America, which was jointly developed by Trillium, Air Products, the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), Ballard Fuel Systems and New Flyer. Houston-based Trillium is a leading provider of renewable fuels and alternative energy solutions for fleets around the country.
The hydrogen station, which went live Friday, will fill up a transit bus in six to 10 minutes, similar to diesel or CNG bus filling rates, making this the only zero-emission fuel choice that allows fleets to operate as usual. Currently 10 buses are equipped for hydrogen, but the station allows the fleet to grow to 50 with only minimal additional capital costs.
"Trillium is excited to open this hydrogen fueling station, which will allow Santa Ana buses to run efficiently and produce no tailpipe emissions," said JP Fjeld-Hansen, vice president of Trillium. "We appreciate that so many customers are trusting us to build their clean, renewable energy fueling systems. As more consumers demand clean, renewable energy, we stand ready to help them tackle these opportunities."
Air Products provided enabling equipment and will deliver liquid hydrogen fuel. New Flyer provided the fuel cell electric buses and Ballard provided the hydrogen fuel cell electric technology that powers the buses.
Trillium and Air Products will operate and maintain the station. Trillium also operates and maintains the OCTA's compressed natural gas (CNG) station that it built in 2007 - meaning Trillium now operates both types of OCTA's alternative fueling stations. Trillium is the only transportation infrastructure provider that provides systems for both the CNG market and the zero-emissions market.
CTE, a nonprofit that advocates for clean, sustainable, innovative transportation and energy technologies, managed the administration of the project, particularly as it related to the funds secured through California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses cap-and-trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment.
"The OCTA station will bring meaningful, healthy change for the climate and the people of Santa Ana," said Dan Raudebaugh, executive director of CTE. "Allowing thousands of people to travel via a zero-emission fuel is a big milestone and we're proud to have played a large role in it."
About Trillium
Trillium, a member of the Love's Family of Companies, is a leading provider of renewable fuels and alternative fueling solutions, specializing in fuel supply, design, installation, and operation for innovative energy solutions. Trillium's alternative fuels offerings include compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as well as low carbon energy supply from renewable natural gas, solar installation, and on-site electricity generation. For more than 20 years, Trillium has exceeded Customer expectations by delivering superior quality, reliability and dependability at more than 200 alternative fueling stations nationwide. Trillium specializes in designing, building, and operating these facilities, and provides 24/7 maintenance services for various types of professional fleets. Combined, Love's Travel Stops and Trillium own 61 public-access CNG facilities. To learn more, please visit loves.com/Trillium.
About Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores (Love's) is the nation's industry-leading travel stop network with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 25,000 people. Love's provides professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, fresh coffee, restaurant offerings and more. Love's has more than 370 truck service centers, which include Speedco and on-site Love's Truck Care locations. Love's and Speedco combined is the largest oil change, preventative maintenance and total truck care nationwide network on the road today. Love's is committed to providing Customers with "Clean Places, Friendly Faces" at every stop. To learn more, visit loves.com.