Fueling The Future: Hydrogen Recovery Project

Overview

Kern Energy is launching a Hydrogen Recovery Project to reuse existing co-produced hydrogen in fuel cells that will generate up to three megawatts of zero-emission electricity. When complete, this project will improve the efficiency of our existing refinery operations, shrink our environmental footprint, and reduce reliance on the grid.

This innovative hydrogen storage, utilization, and decarbonization initiative with Claire Technologies and HyAxiom will reduce Kern Energy’s NOx, SOx, particulates, and greenhouse gas emissions—advancing climate solutions.

The Hydrogen Recovery Project centers on practical, scalable solutions by integrating existing infrastructure with new technology to harness existing hydrogen to support refinery operations.

Meeting California's Energy Needs

This project reflects Kern Energy’s commitment to being good stewards of people and planet—delivering innovative energy solutions that support California’s evolving energy needs, collaborating with like-minded partners, and creating new, well-paying jobs for our region.

How the Project Works

Capture

Co-produced hydrogen generated during refinery operations is recovered and diverted.

Store

Claire Technologies’ hydrogenation system combines hydrogen with toluene into a patented liquid form called EZH₂ that can be stored at ambient conditions in existing storage tanks.

Release

The dehydrogenation system releases the hydrogen which is then routed to electricity generation in the fuel cells or back to the refinery to support operations. The toluene is sent back to the hydrogenation system to be reused in a continuous loop process.

Generate Electricity

Seven HyAxiom fuel cells will produce up to three megawatts of zero-emission electricity for the refinery, reducing demand from the grid.

Project Partners

Project | At A Glance

This project reflects Kern Energy’s commitment to an “all-of-the-above” approach to California’s energy future—one that strengthens what we have today while advancing the energy solutions of tomorrow.