As the hydrogen economy accelerates, attention is shifting from just production capacity to the logistics of getting hydrogen fuel to the people and equipment that need it most. From transit authorities to industrial hubs, more organizations are seeking practical ways to transition to zero-emission power sources. But as demand grows, the ability to transport and store hydrogen efficiently and safely, especially in the “last mile,” has become a critical component of the hydrogen infrastructure puzzle.
At Pacific Clean Fuels, we recognize that building large centralized hydrogen production plants is only part of the equation. The future of clean fuel hinges on scalable delivery and storage models that can respond dynamically to regional needs, support fleet operations, and reduce infrastructure overhead.
Why Hydrogen Transport Is So Challenging
Unlike gasoline or diesel, hydrogen is light and low-density, requiring compression or liquefaction for practical transport. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, transporting hydrogen as a compressed gas at 350–700 bar requires high-pressure cylinders, specialized trailers, and rigorous safety protocols.
These characteristics present several hurdles:
- Compression or liquefaction processes add cost and complexity.
- Limited refueling infrastructure leaves many regions inaccessible via pipeline or permanent station.
- High capital expenditure for fixed stations makes hydrogen deployment risky for many fleet operators and municipalities.
Despite these challenges, demand continues to rise. California alone expects to need over 1,000 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030 to support fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), per the California Fuel Cell Partnership’s projections.
This is where last-mile solutions become vital.
Pacific Clean Fuels’ Mobile-First Delivery Model
To bridge this infrastructure gap, Pacific Clean Fuels is pioneering a mobile-first approach that meets end-users where they are. Our strategy includes three essential components.
1. Hydrogen Trailers from OneH2
Our partnership with OneH2 enables us to deliver 930-bar compressed hydrogen trailers, equipped with cutting-edge safety and control systems. These trailers transport high-pressure hydrogen safely across the I-5 corridor, from our central production hub in Bakersfield to as far north as Stockton.
Unlike traditional gas delivery models, our trailers act as modular fueling assets, capable of servicing a wide variety of clients, from city buses to agricultural equipment to warehouse forklifts, without requiring permanent infrastructure.
2. Pop-Up Hydrogen Fueling Centers
To further increase access, PCF offers mobile fueling units that can be deployed temporarily at customer sites. These Pop-Up Fueling Centers are fast to install and ideal for:
- Fleets launching zero-emission pilot programs
- Municipalities complying with SB 32 and other emissions mandates
- Warehousing or logistics hubs with evolving fueling needs
With no need for lengthy permitting or construction timelines, Pop-Up Fueling Centers allow clients to start fueling in weeks, not years.
3. Terminal Stations Near Key Markets
To provide semi-permanent support, PCF is developing terminal stations at strategically located points across California, including:
- Stockton — serving Bay Area transit and municipal fleets
- Fresno — supporting ag operations and rural clients
- Fontana — focused on SoCal warehousing and logistics
- Bakersfield — for local deliveries near our SMR production hub
These locations serve as transfill and redistribution points, allowing for rapid last-mile deployment via trailers and mobile fuelers.
The Role of Storage Infrastructure
Storage is another linchpin of effective hydrogen distribution. Compressed hydrogen must be safely stored in high-pressure tanks, which can be costly and space-intensive. Liquid hydrogen, while more energy-dense, requires cryogenic systems that aren’t always practical at smaller or temporary fueling sites.
PCF’s Pop-Up Fueling Centers and terminal stations include integrated storage solutions, designed to maintain pressure levels, manage inventory, and safely deliver hydrogen on-demand to fleet vehicles and industrial equipment.
Preparing for the Future: Scalable Growth and Strategic Expansion
Looking ahead, Pacific Clean Fuels plans to extend its terminal and delivery network to support long-range rail transport and additional regional production hubs. Planned future terminals include:
- San Diego
- Sacramento
- Las Vegas
- Redding
- Portland
- Seattle
The long-term vision is a hub-and-spoke model that supports both centralized high-volume production in Bakersfield and distributed last-mile deployment across the Western United States.
With the ability to scale deliveries based on fleet size, location, and seasonal demand, PCF’s system ensures no business is left behind in the clean energy transition.
The Last-Mile Isn’t the Final Step—It’s the Key
As the hydrogen economy matures, it’s becoming clear that production alone isn’t enough. True decarbonization depends on getting hydrogen to the right place at the right time, affordably and safely.
By combining cutting-edge technology, modular delivery systems, and strategically located infrastructure, Pacific Clean Fuels is redefining how clean hydrogen reaches end users—whether they’re powering a city bus, fueling agricultural equipment, or driving the next wave of port innovation.
If you’re ready to bring hydrogen to your operation, Pacific Clean Fuels can help you fuel the future—one mile at a time.
