Photo by Gabriel Dillard

The City of Fresno has joined a hydrogen authority in a bid to expand its energy capabilities.

First Public Hydrogen (FPH2) announced Tuesday that Fresno will join as the newest member of the first public hydrogen utility in the US.

The addition of Fresno marks a major milestone in the growth of FPH2 and signals the Central Valley’s increasing leadership in clean energy production, according to a news release.

The FPH2 is part of a joint powers authority (JPA) that connects hydrogen producers with public and private end users through a transparent, cost-effective platform, according to the release.

It was launched as a JPA between the City of Lancaster and City of Industry in December 2024.

FPH2 is building a shared hydrogen ecosystem to enable municipalities, water, transit agencies and businesses to access clean hydrogen for fuel and operations.

With centralized procurement and planning, FPH2 lowers barriers to entry and helps scale hydrogen adoption statewide and beyond, according to the release.

In April, FPH2 released its first request for proposals for hydrogen fuel supplies.

“Fresno’s participation will further connect inland communities to the state’s hydrogen network and strengthen local economies, support long-term infrastructure investment, and position the Central Valley as a leader in the next generation of energy technologies together with FPH2,” said FPH2 Chairman R. Rex Parris, also the mayor of Lancaster.

The growth of fuel cell electric busses in the FAX fleet requires proportional growth of fueling capabilities and fuel sources for busses to be placed into service.

Members also help pilot early-stage hydrogen use cases, from municipal fleets to backup power systems.

The City of Fresno is proud to be the first partner city to join FPH2,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “This partnership gives us a competitive edge as we expand our hydrogen-powered fleet, starting with FAX buses, by helping us access affordable fueling equipment and hydrogen fuel.