Port Houston Secures $25 Million Grant for Hydrogen Refuelling Station
In a bold step toward a sustainable future, Port Houston has been awarded a $25 million grant by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This funding is earmarked for the development of a cutting-edge hydrogen refuelling station for heavy-duty trucks in Bayport, Texas.
This ambitious project, dubbed Bayport HRS, is a cornerstone of Port Houston’s mission to lead the charge in clean energy and transportation decarbonisation.
This initiative is not a solo effort. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, with industrial gases leader Linde Inc. taking the reins on the design, construction, ownership, and operation of the facility. Partners in the endeavour include GTI Energy, a global energy innovation powerhouse; the Centre for Houston’s Future (CHF), a non-profit focused on energy transition; and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), a global leader in hydrogen infrastructure modelling.
Fuel of the Future
Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a game-changer in the drive to decarbonise heavy-duty transport. The Bayport HRS project will showcase an innovative pipeline-based refuelling station, offering high-throughput, convenient, and publicly accessible fuelling options. By harnessing Linde’s expertise and existing pipeline complex in the Houston region, the project promises cost-effective solutions for the trucking industry while laying the groundwork for a broader hydrogen transportation network across Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Kristine Wiley, Vice President of Low Carbon Energy Solutions at GTI Energy, underscored the transformative potential of hydrogen: “Hydrogen has tremendous potential to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy-duty trucking. The Bayport HRS project demonstrates how collaboration and innovative infrastructure can accelerate hydrogen’s integration into a low-cost, low-carbon future.”
Driving Decarbonisation Goals
The Bayport HRS project aligns seamlessly with the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonisation and the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. It also supports Port Houston’s Sustainability Action Plan, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The Houston Ship Channel, as the busiest waterway in the nation, is a vital hub for commerce and an ideal proving ground for sustainable infrastructure innovations.
Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins highlighted the significance of this initiative: “As one of the channel’s leading advocates, Port Houston is committed to fostering sustainability, resilience, collaboration, and quality of life for the community and nation we serve.”
Rich Byrnes, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Port Houston, echoed this sentiment: “This project exemplifies Port Houston ‘walking the talk’ of sustainability and net zero. Our grants strategy accelerates and de-risks business decisions supporting decarbonisation and energy transition.”
Collaboration at Its Best
The synergy among the project’s partners is a cornerstone of its potential success. Linde, as one of the world’s largest hydrogen producers, brings a wealth of experience and resources. According to Richard Minter, President of Hydrogen Mobility at Linde: “We look forward to working with Port Houston to develop key hydrogen infrastructure to support the future decarbonisation of heavy transport in Texas.”
Brett Perlman, Managing Director at the Centre for Houston’s Future, highlighted the broader implications of the project: “The Houston/Gulf Coast’s regional clean hydrogen economy continues to gain momentum. This is another great example of collaboration among business, government, and community to get things done.”
Economic and Environmental Impact
The ripple effects of this project extend far beyond environmental benefits. Port Houston plays a critical role in the regional and national economy, supporting nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and contributing to $439 billion in state economic activity. Nationwide, it facilitates over 3.37 million jobs and drives $906 billion in economic impact.
Over the past year, the Port has secured nearly $57 million in grant funding, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. This latest $25 million grant is another feather in its cap, bolstering its position as a leader in energy transition.
A Bright Future for Hydrogen and Beyond
As the Bayport HRS project takes shape, it sets a precedent for other ports and regions to follow suit. By leveraging hydrogen’s potential and fostering collaboration among public and private entities, Port Houston is paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient transportation sector.
With innovative projects like this, the future of heavy-duty transport is looking brighter than ever.
