Element Ressources and Rio Tinto to produce green hydrogen in California

Element Resources and Rio Tinto develop green hydrogen production facility in California
Hydrogène vert Californie

Partagez:

Element Resources, a company at the forefront of green hydrogen production, recently signed a surface lease agreement with Rio Tinto for the use of a site at the U.S. Borax mine in Boron, California. The collaboration involves the installation of a green hydrogen production facility, powered by a dedicated, stand-alone solar power plant located on the same site. The project will begin with an initial study period to assess the commercial viability of the plant, with the aim of developing an industrial-scale production plant.

Green Hydrogen Development and Ecological Impact

Element Resources’ planned facility aims not only to produce green hydrogen, but also to accelerate decarbonization efforts in California and the surrounding region. The choice of location takes advantage of considerable space and exceptional solar conditions, ideal forlarge-scale hydrogen production. Renny Dillinger, Managing Director of U.S. Borax, underlines Rio Tinto’s commitment to this promising technology and its contribution to their journey towards net zero.

Technology and Innovation from Element Resources

Element Resources is not only a key player in hydrogen production; the company also innovates in technologies that support the production of carbon-free fuels. With patents for low-cost, high-capacity underground hydrogen storage and more economical electrolyser catalysts, Element is positioned as a leader in the green hydrogen sector. Founder, President and CEO Steve Meheen expresses his confidence in the development of an industrial-scale green hydrogen solution that will be powered by solar energy, illustrating the company’s commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

Future prospects and commitments

This partnership between Element Resources and Rio Tinto U.S. Borax represents a significant step forward in the advancement of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. The project demonstrates a model of cross-industry collaboration that could serve as a benchmark for other decarbonization initiatives across the U.S. and potentially on a global scale. The agreement between Element Resources and Rio Tinto to develop a green hydrogen production facility in Boron, California, is more than just a business transaction; it symbolizes a strong commitment to a cleaner, greener economy. With its significant potential for green hydrogen production, this project marks a decisive turning point in the region’s decarbonization efforts.

Tree Energy Solutions and CPC Finland will produce 125,000 tonnes annually of e-NG at the Finnish port of Rauma, targeting European and international markets with a significant investment.
The European Commission grants €3.5mn to support preparatory work for a Franco-German cross-border network aimed at transporting hydrogen between the Grand Est region and Baden-Württemberg starting in 2029.
French company McPhy Energy awaits a court decision regarding offers submitted during its judicial reorganization, paving the way for probable liquidation and potential delisting of its shares.
The majority-Indigenous-owned Canadian manufacturer HyVera Distributed Energy is introducing an eCat pellet that instantly produces ultra-pure green hydrogen without external electricity and is counting on two pilot plants to simplify industrial supply.
Underground hydrogen storage, essential to support its growth, continues to face significantly higher costs than natural gas storage, along with major technical challenges hindering its competitiveness against conventional energies.
Singapore-based hydrogen specialist Hydrexia seals a protocol with Indonesian gas giant Samator to deploy purification, transport and storage of hydrogen, betting on rapidly growing local demand and export outlets to the Asia-Pacific region.
Cadiz Inc. signs a memorandum of understanding with British company Hoku Energy for a large-scale energy project including green hydrogen, solar power, and digital infrastructure in the Californian desert, projecting annual revenues of up to $10mn.
BP indefinitely halts its blue hydrogen project at the Whiting refinery in Indiana, raising questions about the future of federal funding and the impact on regional plans for a decarbonized hydrogen sector in the United States.
The Polish energy group ORLEN receives a non-repayable grant of €382 million from the National Recovery Plan to finance its renewable and low-emission hydrogen production initiatives.
Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power announce successful completion of an unprecedented test incorporating 50% hydrogen into an advanced gas turbine, reducing CO2 emissions by 22% compared to natural gas alone.
Neoenergia has begun construction of one of Brazil's first green hydrogen plants, aimed at supplying heavy and light vehicles, with an investment exceeding 30 million Brazilian reais ($5.99mn).
The SA-H2 fund, supported by international partnerships and local institutional backing, mobilises 37 million USD to develop export-oriented green hydrogen from South Africa, with an initial concrete project announced.
Turbotech reports successful combustion testing of a hydrogen turboprop, developed through digital simulation with Ansys, marking an industrial milestone in light aircraft using alternative fuel.
France Hydrogène responds to the Cour des Comptes report published on June 5, criticising an incomplete reading of updated targets and the economic impacts of decarbonised hydrogen development.
The Belfort Commercial Court has opened a judicial reorganisation procedure for McPhy, while a renewed call for tenders for its asset sale is now set to close on 13 June.
Plug Power CFO Paul Middleton acquired 650,000 shares on the market, affirming his support for the long-term strategy of the hydrogen-focused company.
The Canadian government is funding an initiative to support 40 SMEs in British Columbia’s hydrogen sector, aiming to increase foreign investment and expand international market share.
Developer CWP Global has paused its $40 billion AMAN project in Mauritania due to a lack of buyers for green ammonia despite favourable local conditions.
A study reveals that the profitability of African green hydrogen exports to the European Union depends on political support from Europe, despite the abundance of ongoing projects on the continent.
Plug Power expands its partnership with Allied Green through a new 2 GW electrolyzer deal tied to a $5.5bn chemical plant in Uzbekistan.