Clean Energy to Design and Build New Hydrogen Station for Riverside Transit Agency

Rhea-AI Summary

Clean Energy (NASDAQ: CLNE) has won a contract to design and build a new hydrogen fueling station for Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) in California. The project includes hydrogen supply and maintenance services for the private access station in Riverside. RTA plans to start with five fuel cell buses and expand to over 100 hydrogen-powered buses in the next decade.

The initiative supports RTA's transition to a zero-emission fleet, particularly suitable for their long passenger routes. RTA recently received a $5.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for purchasing five hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, marking the beginning of their fleet transition planned for 2026. This is Clean Energy's second hydrogen station project, following the successful completion of Foothill Transit Agency's station in Pomona, CA, in June 2023.

Positive

• Won competitive contract for hydrogen fueling station design and construction
• Secured long-term hydrogen supply and maintenance service agreement
• Project supports RTA's expansion to 100+ hydrogen buses over next decade
• Second successful hydrogen station project, demonstrating growing market presence

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The contract win to build a hydrogen fueling station for Riverside Transit Agency represents a strategic expansion of Clean Energy's hydrogen infrastructure business. The project includes not just construction but ongoing hydrogen supply and maintenance services, creating a reliable recurring revenue stream. With RTA planning to expand from 5 to over 100 hydrogen-powered buses in the next decade, this positions CLNE for substantial growth in the hydrogen segment.

This second major hydrogen station project, following the successful Foothill Transit implementation, demonstrates CLNE's growing expertise and competitiveness in the hydrogen infrastructure market. The contract win through competitive bidding validates the company's capability to secure key projects in California's expanding zero-emission transit sector. The $5.1 million federal grant backing RTA's initial hydrogen bus purchases indicates strong government support for such transitions.

Tech Expert

The strategic value of this project lies in its technological positioning. RTA's selection of hydrogen over battery-electric for long-route operations highlights hydrogen's competitive advantage in heavy-duty transit applications. The purpose-built station design will incorporate state-of-the-art fueling infrastructure, strengthening Clean Energy's technical capabilities and intellectual property in hydrogen systems.

This project enhances CLNE's competitive moat in alternative fuel infrastructure, expanding beyond their traditional natural gas expertise. The long-term maintenance contract will provide valuable operational data and experience, important for scaling hydrogen infrastructure solutions. This positions CLNE as a key player in California's ambitious zero-emission transit goals, with potential for replicating this model across other transit agencies.

New station to support Riverside Transit Agency’s growing hydrogen bus fleet with state-of-the-art fueling infrastructure and hydrogen supply

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clean Energy (NASDAQ: CLNE), the country’s largest provider of the cleanest fuel for the transportation market, has been awarded the contract to design and construct a new state-of-the-art hydrogen fueling station for Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) in California. The contract was won following a competitive solicitation and also includes the supply of hydrogen and maintenance services for the private access, purpose-built station located in Riverside.

Riverside Transit Agency’s current fleet of CNG buses (Photo: Business Wire)

RTA plans to initially operate five fuel cell buses when the station opens and will grow its fleet to over 100 hydrogen-powered buses over the next decade. The new facility will play a central role in RTA’s commitment to transition to a zero-emission vehicle fleet.

As a transit agency who serves one of the geographically largest regions in the U.S., RTA has some of the longest passenger routes, making hydrogen a natural choice as a clean alternative fuel and an alternative to battery-electric buses to power the agency’s high-mileage transit bus routes.

“Being awarded another hydrogen station is a testament to Clean Energy’s leadership and expertise in the hydrogen fueling space. Partnering with the forward-thinking team at Riverside Transit is a great feather in our hat as they transition, expand and diversify to other clean, low emissions technologies,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president of Clean Energy. “Hydrogen offers a reliable solution for long routes and this new station will support RTA’s goals to serve their community cleanly for years to come.”

“This project reflects our commitment to fostering healthier communities by advancing clean energy solutions and is a critical milestone as we move to a zero-emission vehicle fleet,” said Jeremy Smith, Board Chair at Riverside Transit Agency. “We are driving innovation while addressing the need for environmentally responsible solutions.”

This station announcement follows news that RTA will purchase five 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell electric buses after being awarded a $5.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation which begins the agency’s plan of transitioning its large bus fleet to zero-emissions vehicles, expected to take place in phases beginning in 2026.

This is the second hydrogen station project Clean Energy has been awarded recently with the first build successfully completed for Foothill Transit Agency in Pomona, CA, in June 2023.

About Clean Energy

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. is the country’s largest provider of the cleanest fuel for the transportation market. Our mission is to decarbonize transportation through the development and delivery of renewable natural gas (RNG), a sustainable fuel derived by capturing methane from organic waste. Clean Energy allows thousands of vehicles, from airport shuttles to city buses to waste and heavy-duty trucks, to reduce their amount of climate-harming greenhouse gas. We operate a vast network of fueling stations across the U.S. and Canada as well as RNG production facilities at dairy farms. Visit www.cleanenergyfuels.com and follow @ce_renewables on X and LinkedIn.

About Riverside Transit Agency

The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for western Riverside County, operating 32 local fixed routes, three commuter express routes, microtransit and Dial-A-Ride services. RTA’s service area spans 2,500 square miles, among the largest in the nation. For bus route and schedule information contact RTA at (951) 565-5002 or go to RiversideTransit.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including without limitation statements about: the amounts and timing of hydrogen expected to be consumed; the timing and scope of construction, maintenance, and other projects; the numbers and timing of vehicles expected to be deployed, fueled, maintained, or financed; the characteristics and performance of hydrogen fuel cell engines and trucks; the environmental and other benefits of Clean Energy’s fuels; the availability of environmental, tax and other government regulations, programs and incentives; and the impacts of legislative and regulatory developments. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date of this press release and, unless otherwise required by law, Clean Energy undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Additionally, the reports and other documents Clean Energy files with the SEC (available at www.sec.gov) contain risk factors, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211798782/en/

Clean Energy media contact:

Kimberly Fleer

1-949-437-1447

kimberly.fleer@cleanenergyfuels.com

Clean Energy investor contact:

Thomas Driscoll

1-949-437-1191

thomas.driscoll@cleanenergyfuels.com

Riverside Transit Agency media contact:

Christine Ramsey

1-951-565-5170

cramsey@riversidetransit.com

Source: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.

FAQ

What is the size of RTA's planned hydrogen bus fleet expansion with Clean Energy (CLNE)?

RTA plans to start with 5 fuel cell buses and expand to over 100 hydrogen-powered buses over the next decade.

When will Riverside Transit Agency begin transitioning to hydrogen buses with CLNE's infrastructure?

The transition to zero-emissions vehicles is expected to begin in phases starting in 2026.

How much grant funding did RTA receive for hydrogen buses supported by CLNE's station?

RTA received a $5.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for five 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.

Where did Clean Energy (CLNE) complete its first hydrogen station project?

Clean Energy completed its first hydrogen station project for Foothill Transit Agency in Pomona, CA, in June 2023.

What services will Clean Energy (CLNE) provide for RTA's hydrogen station?

Clean Energy will design and construct the station, plus provide hydrogen supply and maintenance services for the private access facility.