K2 Pure Solutions launches construction of California’s first commercial low-carbon hydrogen facility, transforming industrial byproducts into scalable clean energy.
K2 Pure Solutions, a recognized innovator in clean manufacturing and low-carbon hydrogen development, has officially commenced construction of its new commercial hydrogen facility in Pittsburg, California. This groundbreaking marks a pivotal step in California’s broader energy transition and positions the company at the forefront of the state’s rapidly evolving clean-molecules economy. The project is targeted for commissioning in early summer 2026 and represents a significant expansion of K2’s existing industrial footprint in Northern California.
The new facility will extend K2’s established chlor-alkali operations to create what is expected to be California’s first commercial-scale source of low-carbon, high-pressure hydrogen derived from a proven industrial site. By leveraging an existing manufacturing process that already serves municipal and industrial customers across the state, the project blends reliability with sustainability. Rather than developing a greenfield hydrogen plant, K2 is demonstrating how existing infrastructure can be transformed into next-generation clean energy assets.
Under an exclusive commercial agreement, PACC Services will act as K2’s strategic partner for hydrogen marketing, customer engagement, and long-term offtake development. In addition, PACC will oversee logistics and coordinate distribution to end users across transportation, industrial, and power-generation markets. This collaboration is designed to ensure that the hydrogen produced at the Pittsburg site can be efficiently delivered to customers seeking immediate and practical decarbonization solutions.
Commenting on the milestone, K2 Pure Solutions CEO Howard Brodie emphasized that the start of construction signals more than progress on a single project. According to Brodie, it represents the moment when California’s hydrogen economy begins to scale in a tangible way. He highlighted Northern California’s proximity to customers who are actively pursuing sustainability goals and described Pittsburg as an ideal location—one that combines a strong industrial legacy with a forward-looking approach to clean energy development.
David Cynamon, Chairman of K2 Pure Solutions, reinforced this message by noting that the expansion underscores the company’s commitment to building essential clean-energy infrastructure within California. He explained that the project goes beyond discussion of the hydrogen economy by delivering real assets that can support statewide climate and energy objectives. The facility, he added, will serve as a proof point that hydrogen production can be scaled responsibly and effectively, while also contributing to local economic growth.
At the core of the project is K2’s existing chlor-alkali plant, which produces bleach widely used in water-purification systems throughout California. During this process, hydrogen is naturally generated as a byproduct. Historically, much of this hydrogen has gone unused. Through investment in advanced capture, purification, compression, and distribution systems, K2 is converting this byproduct into a valuable low-carbon fuel. Engineering, procurement, and construction activities for the project are being led by Hargrove Engineers & Constructors.
Using the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET carbon-accounting model, K2 estimates that the hydrogen produced at the facility will have approximately 95 percent lower carbon intensity compared with conventional gasoline. Because the hydrogen will be distributed locally, lifecycle emissions are expected to be reduced even further on a “well-to-wheel” basis.
The project has also received support from state officials. Tyson Eckerle, Senior Advisor at the California Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development, described the initiative as a strong example of hydrogen’s potential to transform waste streams into commercially viable clean-energy commodities using private capital.
Local leaders echoed this enthusiasm. Jordan Davis, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Pittsburg, welcomed the expansion as a continuation of the city’s partnership with K2. Davis noted that the project honors Pittsburg’s industrial heritage while creating quality jobs and positioning the community as a key contributor to California’s sustainable energy infrastructure.
Once operational, the facility is expected to set a new benchmark for industrial decarbonization in California by converting proven manufacturing processes into a reliable, next-generation energy resource.
