Hydrogen (H2) is an emerging transportation fuel that can be used in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. Hydrogen today is primarily produced through the process of steam reformation, in which high-temperature steam reacts with natural gas to extract hydrogen. Hydrogen can also be produced from water through the process of electrolysis. By using renewable energy such as wind or solar to power the process of electrolysis, “green” hydrogen is created, which avoids the greenhouse gas and harmful air pollutant emissions associated with steam reformation. Although hydrogen is costly to use in fleets today, it poses exciting possibilities for a future where virtually unlimited quantities could be produced using renewable energy. In recent years, light-duty FCEVs have become available in limited quantities to the consumer market in localized regions domestically (California) and around the world. The market is also emerging for buses, material handling equipment (such as forklifts), ground support equipment, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, marine vessels, and stationary applications.
Similar to EVs, FCEVs are powered by electricity stored in a battery. Unlike EVs, however, FCEVs do not rely on charging from an external power source. Instead, using hydrogen as fuel, electricity is produced on-board the FCEV through an electrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel cell “stack.” There is no combustion or pollution involved in the process—FCEVs emit only water vapor and warm air.
Local Initiatives
In 2021, Senate Bill 1021 created Oklahoma’s Hydrogen Production, Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force to explore opportunities to build out the state’s ecosystem for hydrogen production and use. The culmination of the research and stakeholder engagement undertaken by task force members, including the State Secretaries of Transportation and Energy & Environment, resulted in a comprehensive report outlining the state’s potential to be a leader in the hydrogen industry.
Oklahoma’s Hydrogen Economy
- Based out of Catoosa in the Tulsa metro, sister companies GTL Leasing and H2 Compressors offer FCEV fleet leasing services and hydrogen fueling solutions, bringing Oklahoma fleets the opportunity to explore hydrogen.
- An innovator in hydrogen solutions, BayoTech manufacturers its HyFill hydrogen transport trailers in Tulsa. These high-pressure transport trailers lead the industry in payload capacity and safety and help support motive and stationary fuel cell applications.
Hydrogen Links
- The Alternative Fuel Data Center offers basic information about hydrogen as a transportation fuel, benefits and considerations, and more.
- The Department of Energy has a downloadable Fuel Cell Fact Sheet on how fuel cells work and a Hydrogen Production Fact Sheet on the specifics of hydrogen production.
- The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has an article explaining the different “colors” of hydrogen, which describe the fuel according to its production method.