K2 breaks ground on hydrogen project

Under an exclusive agreement PACC Services (PACC) will serve as K2's commercial partner for hydrogen marketing, customer engagement, and offtake development — while also coordinating logistics, and distribution of the product across transportation, industrial, and power markets. The collaboration positions K2 and PACC at the forefront of California's growing clean-molecules market, linking reliable industrial supply with the region's decarbonisation goals.

"Breaking ground marks more than a construction milestone, it's the moment California's hydrogen economy starts to scale," said Howard Brodie, CEO of K2 Pure Solutions. "Our Northern California footprint puts us close to customers who are ready to act on sustainability today, not in the distant future. Pittsburg is the ideal home for this next chapter: a community with deep industrial roots and a forward-looking spirit."

David Cynamon, Chairman of K2 Pure Solutions, added: "This expansion represents K2's commitment to building the infrastructure California needs to achieve its clean energy goals. We are not just talking about the hydrogen economy, we are building it, right here in Pittsburg. This facility will demonstrate that scaling hydrogen production is both achievable and essential for the energy future. We are proud to invest in a community that shares our vision for sustainable industrial growth."

K2's chlor-alkali plant manufactures the bleach used in water-purification systems statewide, and in the process, naturally generates hydrogen. Rather than allowing this hydrogen byproduct to go unused, K2 is investing in advanced systems to capture, purify, compress, and distribute it as low-carbon fuel. With Hargrove Engineers & Constructors leading EPC execution, the project is turning a byproduct into a new clean-energy commodity for California.

Using the US Department of Energy's GREET carbon-accounting model, K2 estimates that its hydrogen will have about 95% lower carbon intensity than conventional gasoline. With local distribution, its lifecycle emissions are reduced even further ‘from well to wheel.’

"PACC is proud to partner with K2 Pure Solutions to bring new hydrogen supply to market in California," commented Andrew Carman, CEO of PACC Services. "Our mission is to build commercial bridges in dislocated markets; creating partnerships with producers like K2 to bring their molecules to end users."

"This project exemplifies the vast potential of hydrogen; turning what was once a waste stream into a commodity that will be used decarbonise multiple sectors, all with private capital," added Tyson Eckerle, Senior Advisor at California Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development. "The success of our state's hydrogen market hinges on developing projects like this, and we commend K2 Pure Solutions, PACC Services and the City of Pittsburg for moving this project forward."

Once operational, the project will establish a new benchmark for industrial decarbonisation in California, turning proven manufacturing into a next-generation energy resource.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/18122025/k2-breaks-ground-on-hydrogen-project/