© HydroFleet

North Carolina-based HydroFleet is committing nearly $33 million to develop a hydrogen production and refueling hub in Pooler, Georgia. Positioned near major freight corridors and the Port of Savannah, the facility aims to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks.

Pooler’s strategic position near major interstates and the Port of Savannah makes it an ideal location for HydroFleet’s expansion. This proximity allows for efficient logistics and supports a growing hydrogen trucking network. CEO Scott Moe emphasized the importance of this site, stating, “Pooler is an ideal location for HydroFleet’s facility due to the proximity to major interstates, the Port of Savannah, and prospective fleet customers.”

Expanding Hydrogen Trucking Capacity

Initially, the site will refuel 7 to 14 fuel-cell trucks per day, with plans to scale up to 50 trucks daily. The facility will utilize OneH2’s R600 autothermal reformation (ATR) unit, producing hydrogen from natural gas and pure water. At full capacity, it is expected to generate 4,200 kg of hydrogen per day. However, no carbon capture integration has been announced, meaning emissions from this system could reach 8.8 metric tons of CO2 daily.

Industry-Wide Momentum for Hydrogen Freight

Hydrogen-powered trucking is gaining traction as a viable alternative to diesel. HydroFleet reports that 18,000 hydrogen passenger vehicles operate currently in the U.S. Additionally, 570 hydrogen trucks and buses are on the roads, while 80,000 hydrogen forklifts are deployed in warehouses.

Major corporations such as Amazon, Walmart, and Whirlpool are already leveraging hydrogen technology in their logistics operations. Hyundai’s recent deployment of 21 XCIENT fuel-cell trucks in Georgia further underscores the growing momentum in the sector.

Decarbonization Impact

Each hydrogen-powered Class 8 truck eliminates over 400 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. When fully operational, HydroFleet’s Pooler facility could prevent 40,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year—the equivalent of removing 8,700 gasoline-powered cars from the roads.

The Role of Infrastructure in Hydrogen Trucking

Fuel-cell trucks rely on an expanding hydrogen refueling network to remain viable. HydroFleet’s investment marks a significant step in closing infrastructure gaps, particularly for long-haul applications where fast refueling and operational efficiency are critical. While battery-electric trucks dominate industry headlines, hydrogen-powered freight solutions are proving essential for high-utilization transport operations.

Future Prospects

HydroFleet’s project aligns with broader hydrogen ecosystem growth in the U.S. As companies seek competitive and scalable zero-emission solutions, investments in hydrogen infrastructure will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable freight logistics.