Overview - Key Goals
To generate low-carbon hydrogen power to meet California’s increasing power demand while capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and storing it permanently in nearby oil fields. In doing this, the project will address climate change concerns, enhance US energy security, and boost domestic oil production.
The project is a response to the leadership shown by California in tackling the issue of climate change and in taking steps towards a hydrogen based economy.
When completed, the Hydrogen Energy California project (HECA) will produce enough low-carbon electricity for over 150,000 southern Californian homes and contribute to meeting California’s increasing power demand while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
At the heart of the project is a gasification unit and carbon capture facility where petroleum coke (or blends of petroleum coke and coal, as needed) is transformed into hydrogen and CO2. This process is designed to capture approximately 90% of the CO2 from the fuel source and transport it by pipeline for enhanced oil recovery in local oil fields and permanent and secure storage in deep geological formations.