Element Resources has announced plans to construct what will be North America’s largest green hydrogen production facility, backed by a $1.85 billion investment. The Lancaster Clean Energy Center (LCEC) will be built north of Los Angeles and is scheduled to begin construction later this year.

According to Steve Meheen, CEO of Element Resources, the LCEC will operate fully off-grid, using on-site solar power and long-duration battery energy storage to enable continuous hydrogen production. Groundwater from the local aquifer will supply the facility, with significantly reduced water use compared to historical agricultural activity on the land.

The 2,100-acre site is expected to generate 22,000 tons of zero-carbon hydrogen annually, aimed at fueling heavy-duty transportation, public transit, port operations, and aviation. Hydrogen will be distributed using zero-emission fuel cell trucks.

The project has received support from the California Jobs First initiative, with Governor Gavin Newsom recently confirming $30.5 million in tax credits. The plant is set to be operational by mid-2027.

Element Resources will own and operate the facility, supplying hydrogen through the First Public Hydrogen Authority, a public utility founded by the City of Lancaster. Project partners include ARCHES, the California Hydrogen Business Council, and the Center for Hydrogen Safety.

The initiative is part of California’s broader push to accelerate clean hydrogen infrastructure, following other recent developments such as Avina Clean Hydrogen's facility in Vernon.