On January 10th, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the awarding of nearly $25 million in grant funding to the Authority This substantial funding, part of a public-private collaboration with Linde Inc., a global leader in industrial gases, will enable the construction and operation of a hydrogen fueling station designed for heavy-duty trucks. The innovative project, known as Bayport HRS, is expected to significantly enhance hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain development in Texas and the Gulf Coast region.
HRS will establish a groundbreaking pipeline-based Hydrogen Refueling Station (HRS) in Texas, capable of providing high-throughput and publicly accessible fueling options. Linde will take the lead in designing, constructing, owning, and operating this state-of-the-art facility, ensuring cost-effective and efficient hydrogen fueling for heavy-duty (HD) trucks. Collaborating on the project are notable partners such as GTI Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Center for Houston’s Future (CHF), each contributing specialized expertise in energy innovation and hydrogen infrastructure development.
The initiative aligns closely with ’sustainability Action Plan, which includes a bold commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It also supports broader national strategies for transportation decarbonization and clean hydrogen, emphasizing its significance as a model for advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Transforming the Houston Ship Channel
The Houston Ship Channel, recognized as the busiest waterway in the United States, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic and energy sectors. Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, highlighted the dedication to sustainability, resilience, and community well-being. “As one of the channel’s leading advocates, is committed to fostering sustainability, resilience, collaboration, and quality of life for the community and nation we serve,” Jenkins remarked.
Rich Byrnes, Chief Infrastructure Officer at echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of the partnership with Linde. “Collaborating with one of the world’s largest hydrogen producers and the owner of a major pipeline complex that serves the region aligns perfectly with our goals. This project demonstrates Houston ‘walking the talk’ on sustainability and net-zero ambitions,” Byrnes stated. “Our roadmap and grants strategy is designed to accelerate and de-risk business decisions that support decarbonization and energy transition.”
Linde’s Leadership in Hydrogen Infrastructure
As a leading global player in hydrogen production and infrastructure, Linde brings unparalleled expertise to the Bayport HRS project. Richard Minter, President of Hydrogen Mobility at Linde, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Linde looks forward to working with to develop key hydrogen infrastructure that will support the decarbonization of heavy in Texas,” Minter said. “With our extensive experience and network of hydrogen production assets, we are well-positioned to contribute to this transformative initiative.”
Regional and National Impacts
The Gulf Coast region, particularly the Houston area, has emerged as a focal point for clean hydrogen economy development. The HRS project is expected to accelerate this momentum, providing a model for integrating hydrogen into transportation systems and reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy-duty trucking.
Brett Perlman, Managing Director at the Center for Houston’s Future, emphasized the project’s collaborative nature. “This is another great example of business, government, and community working together to achieve meaningful outcomes,” Perlman stated. “The Houston/Gulf Coast’s regional clean hydrogen economy continues to gain traction, and we are proud to contribute to building a clean hydrogen transportation network.”
Kristine Wiley, Vice President of Low Carbon Energy Solutions at GTI Energy, underscored the potential of hydrogen to transform transportation. “Hydrogen has tremendous potential to reduce emissions in heavy-duty trucking,” Wiley explained. “The HRS project showcases how collaboration and innovative infrastructure can drive a low-cost, low-carbon future. Leveraging the Houston area’s robust energy resources, this initiative will advance decarbonization, energy security, and economic resilience.”
Supporting National Strategies
A key objective of the Bayport HRS project is to align with the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, and the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. These national frameworks aim to transition the transportation sector towards sustainable practices and establish a zero-emission freight network, with hydrogen playing a critical role.
Port Houston’s Commitment to Sustainability
The $25 million grant award is a testament to Houston’s effective grants program and its dedication to sustainability. In 2024 alone, the grants team secured nearly $57 million in funding to its ambitious sustainability initiatives. “This significant grant sets a strong foundation for 2025,” Jenkins noted. “We remain committed to leveraging such opportunities to achieve tangible results in decarbonization and energy transition.