The City of Lancaster is proud to announce its membership in the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), a significant milestone in the City’s efforts to lead a worldwide shift to hydrogen as a new generation clean fuel and tool in the energy transition.
CaFCP is expanding the market with fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen and their collaborative efforts with other agencies to help create a cleaner, more energy-diverse future. The City’s partnership with CaFCP serves as a tool in the energy transition and is another step toward a new generation of clean fuel.
During its Executive Board Meeting on December 16, the CaFCP recognized Lancaster as one of its newest members, along with SoCalGas, Ford Motor Company, and Daimler Trucks North America. Lancaster joins more than 50 other CaFCP members, including energy companies, automobile manufacturers, fuel cell technology companies, and government agencies, working together to advance the use of hydrogen-powered fuel. It is the second city to join CaFCP; the City of San Francisco joined the organization in 2019.
“As a long-time leader in green energy and the nation’s first city to embrace hydrogen power, Lancaster’s new membership in the CaFCP is perfectly in line with our vision to encourage cities around the world to shift to hydrogen,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This collaboration will enable us to identify and support the development of hydrogen-related technologies with the potential to benefit the Lancaster community for years to come.”
Lancaster’s membership in the CaFCP expands the City’s access to the people and entities who are creating policies, building products, and shaping the future for hydrogen and fuel cells. As a member, Lancaster will have the opportunity to contribute to working groups and project teams, offering the unique perspective of a local jurisdiction, and participate in ongoing outreach and networking activities.
“Together with our community members, business partners, and local-area innovators, Lancaster has been advancing clean energy for years,” Mayor Parris said. “We envision our membership in CaFCP being a win-win for everyone.”
The City of Lancaster became the first “Net Zero” energy city in the world in 2019 and is now the host to a Heliogen project focused on eliminating the need for fossil fuels. The City will soon welcome the Solena Group project and is shepherding the Hitachi project that could produce hydrogen.
In November 2020, the City of Lancaster publicly announced its goal to lead the world in transitioning to hydrogen, following a productive meeting between Lancaster officials and Japanese government officials to discuss the development and use of hydrogen in the City’s decarbonization efforts.
“Hydrogen is the future; it is a versatile decarbonization tool, and we will lead with a hydrogen strategy, with other cities following in Lancaster’s footsteps,” Mayor Parris said.
Hydrogen has been gaining traction across the world as a tool in the clean energy transition for long-term storage and more, while also helping ensure increased energy security. In transportation, fuel cell electric cars, buses and trucks, among other forms of mobility, produce zero emissions, while offering long ranges and short fueling times.
For additional information about Lancaster’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and clean energy, visit our Alternative Energy webpage.