Project Beehive sees UIPA partner with Dominion Energy, BayoTech and Lancer Energy

Initiative will support clean heavy-duty transportation and logistics fleets converting to zero-emissions technologies

Cleaner alternative to diesel fuel will improve regional air quality and support sustainability goals

October 18, 2021 – Hydrogen is coming to the ports and shipping sector in a big way as operators realize it is a feasible solution to decarbonize the movement of goods. Now fleet operators looking to decarbonize their operations in Utah will have a zero-emission solution at hand, with the announcement of plans by the Utah Inland Port Authority (“UIPA”) to advance the development of a clean hydrogen hub.

UIPA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Dominion Energy (“Dominion”), BayoTech (“BayoTech”), and Lancer Energy (“Lancer”) to explore, advance and deploy hydrogen production and fueling stations in the State of Utah. Under the terms of the MOU, the parties will work together to develop a distributed hydrogen production hub and fueling station located within the Salt Lake valley UIPA jurisdictional area.

Once fully operational, low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen will be available to fuel vehicles and equipment for the zero-emission transport of goods. This includes a wide range of fuel cell-powered vehicles including cranes, yard tractors, drayage trucks, long-haul transport trucks and railway locomotives.

Heavy-duty vehicles are typically powered by diesel engines that emit high levels of particulates, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a zero-emission alternative, emitting only water vapor from the tailpipe. Operating and fueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is comparable to a conventional vehicle, offering fast refueling for a similar cargo payload and driving range.

BayoTech’s onsite, distributed hydrogen generation technology is highly energy efficient and avoids emissions from liquefaction and delivery of hydrogen.  Combined with the 2-3x greater efficiency of fuel cells versus internal combustion engines, Project Beehive can radically reduce pollution from heavy duty diesel vehicles on the Wasatch Front. On a well-to-wheel basis, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can reduce NOx, SOx and particulate matter emissions per mile by more than 90% and lower carbon intensity by a minimum of 40% versus diesel. As decarbonization grows in importance, Project Beehive can drive development of renewable natural gas (RNG) resources to lower the carbon intensity of hydrogen further, even to the point of going carbon negative.

Utah is poised to be at the center of a regional network of hydrogen hubs accelerating clean energy adoption throughout the western United States. This hydrogen hub will play a critical role in connecting California’s seaports with inland distribution nodes. California is the nation’s largest gateway for international trade, moving millions of tons of cargo every day. Coupled with California’s array of zero-emission transport programs to reduce the air quality impact of freight movement, this clean hydrogen hub will allow zero-emission transport to continue inland to Utah. Currently, 80% of Utah’s international containers come through California, and 90% of Utah’s cargo comes to the market by truck. Moreover, this project will facilitate cleaner air along the Wasatch Front, and ultimately the entire state’s, airshed as a result of zero-emission heavy duty trucking.

Dominion Energy will supply natural gas from its pipeline network and/or renewable natural gas, potentially from Utah landfills, for conversion to hydrogen using BayoTech’s patented reformer technology. Lancer has taken the lead role in the engineering and construction of an advanced fueling station to support all clean energy vehicles operating within the region. Along with providing a site for the installation of the hydrogen production plant, UIPA will further advance the project by aligning partners related to hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and distribution, as well as facilitating state, county, and city support.

Project Beehive invites regional fleet operators and makers of zero-emission vehicles and equipment to express their interest in accessing clean hydrogen through this initiative by contacting Stewart Stewart, BayoTech’s Chief Commercial Officer at info@bayotech.us. For information about Utah Inland Port Authority services contact Jill Flygare, UIPA’s Chief Operating Officer at jflygare@utah.gov.

About BayoTech

BayoTech, an innovator in hydrogen solutions, is committed to addressing the global need for reliable, cost-effective, and low-carbon hydrogen. BayoTech sites hydrogen production close to demand and distributes it to nearby consumers via its patented high-pressure gas transport and storage equipment. Customers are accelerating the decarbonization of their energy and transportation systems through BayoTech’s supply of hydrogen molecules, sale and lease of equipment, and zero-emission power solutions. Learn more at www.bayotech.us

About Dominion Energy

More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. Dominion Energy Utah already serves the public with 22 Public compressed natural gas stations in major throughfares throughout Utah, with emphasis on large truck transport.  Dominion Energy Utah started serving the clean fueling, public transportation market in the late 1980’s. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

About Lancer Energy

Lancer Energy is recognized as a leader in the advanced fuels industry. With 30 years of experience in advance fueled vehicles and with the addition of Hydrogen and RNG/CNG station design, construction, and maintenance has become the go-to company for advanced fuels in Utah and surrounding states. Lancer Energy is a longtime stakeholder of the vehicle technology integration and education non-profit Utah Clean Cities and is a Green Fleet Member in the state and region. Visit lancerenergy.com to learn more.

About Utah Inland Port Authority

The Utah Inland Port Authority is a state agency with a regional approach to increase utilization and expand access for commerce throughout Utah. UIPA improves logistics infrastructure within the statewide system through high-speed broadband and zero emissions tech to revolutionize how logistics are done. One third of Utah’s GDP, employment, and incomes are dependent on the logistics system. Visit inlandportauthority.utah.gov for more information.