Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has announced that it is renaming the TMNA R&D California office as its new North American Hydrogen Headquarters (H2HQ).
The office workspace at the new H2HQ was recently redesigned for its teams working from research and development to commercialization planning and sales of hydrogen (H) related products and technologies.
There are plans to add key features to the H2HQ campus in the future such as a flexible microgrid, sustainable customer education center and more.
“Toyota has developed hydrogen fuel cell electric solutions for more than three decades, and we will continue to advance this scalable, zero-emission technology as part of our electrified portfolio,” says Ted Ogawa, President and CEO, Toyota Motor North America.
Last year, the firm reorganized its H business in Japan to create what it calls “Hydrogen Factory” with the idea to bring all hydrogen-related work under one location and accelerate customer-oriented product development and production in fuel cell or hydrogen-related products.
Then, the company announced its own “Hydrogen Factory” with the aim to further grow Toyota’s H business and stimulate wider roll-out of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructure across Europe.
H2HQ will drive North American-led hydrogen initiatives and support the localization of global hydrogen-related technologies and products that include light-duty fuel cell applications, heavy-duty fuel cell opportunities, stationary fuel cell power generation, port vehicle applications and more.
The facility already provides impressive research and development assets, including Toyota’s largest dynamometer (1.2 megawatt), a scalable test bench for stationary applications, and a H fueling station capable of providing fuel for both light- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Moreover, as part of its plans to remain and grow fuel cell leadership, NA H2HQ will be home to several new projects in the coming years.
“I’m very pleased that Toyota is building on its longstanding commitment to California by locating its North American hydrogen headquarters here in the Golden State,” states California State Senator, District 29, Josh Newman.
“The work done there, along with green hydrogen initiatives throughout the state, is propelling California toward a dynamic, clean-energy economy which will also reduce carbon emissions and foster environmental stewardship while extending California’s leadership in this important space,” he adds.
Construction has begun on a flexible microgrid that features energy sources available today, including a 230 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, a one megawatt stationary proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell generator, 325 kilowatt solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and an onsite 500 kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system.
The microgrid is designed to support the campus’ energy needs, allowing it the ability to operate off-grid.
The system is expected to be fully operational by 2026.
“Toyota’s investment to expand their research and development of hydrogen fuel cell technology in our state is an example of the innovation that will accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emissions transportation options, particularly as we decarbonize the goods movement sector,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph.
In the future, Toyota’s plans for the new North American Hydrogen HQ will include a sustainable education center, available for tours by reservation.
The center will be a place for people to learn more about Toyota’s vision of sustainability and the role that hydrogen will play.
