How Pooler Could Lead Georgia in Hydrogen Fueling with New Station Proposal

Pooler’s Plans for a Hydrogen Fueling and Electric Vehicle Fueling Facility

The city of Pooler, Georgia, could become a key player in the adoption of clean transportation solutions. A proposal to establish an innovative fueling station offering hydrogen and electric vehicle (EV) services is awaiting approval from the city council. The facility, if approved, will include on-site hydrogen production and 150-kilowatt EV charging stations. This project is spearheaded by Capital Development Partners via their affiliate, SBR Savannah Port Logistics. It aims to support eco-friendly trucks that service the Hyundai plant in nearby Bryan County—vehicles powered by hydrogen and electric batteries.

Discussions surrounding the project have centered around safety and community education. During a recent city council meeting, fire and safety officials shared insights from their visit to a similar facility in Camden County, emphasizing the safety of modern hydrogen infrastructure. Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Higgins noted that the town hall, planned to address public concerns and provide education, marks an opportunity for the community to understand the use of hydrogen fuel.

Safer Than Gasoline? What You Need to Know About Hydrogen Fueling Stations

Concerns about the safety of hydrogen are common, given the fuel’s high flammability. However, experts emphasize that hydrogen’s properties make it safer than is often perceived. Unlike gasoline, hydrogen is lighter than air. If a leak occurs, it dissipates quickly into the atmosphere, significantly reducing the risk of accumulation and combustion.

Furthermore, advancements in hydrogen storage and dispensing systems ensure safety measures are in place. Modern facilities adhere to strict compliance regulations, such as national fire codes and pressure piping standards. Innovations in compressed gasses and cryogenic fluid handling improve the reliability of hydrogen delivery systems. Officials in Pooler have cited examples from operational hydrogen facilities elsewhere, noting a strong track record of safety.

How On-Site Hydrogen Production Works and Its Potential

On-site hydrogen production has emerged as a sophisticated and efficient way to generate fuel directly where it’s needed. There are two primary technologies for this process:

1. Electrolysis – Water and electricity are used to separate hydrogen and oxygen molecules. With renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, this method can produce clean hydrogen without carbon emissions.

2. Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) – Methane, often from natural gas, is heated with steam to release hydrogen. While this method involves some carbon emissions, combining it with carbon capture systems significantly reduces the environmental impact.

On-site hydrogen generators typically operate within a compact footprint, often as small as 630 square feet for industrial-scale units. This setup enables facilities to scale production based on demand, offering flexibility and cost efficiency. For businesses, on-site generation eliminates dependence on transportation of hydrogen via high-pressure trailers, reducing both logistical costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Beyond transportation, this level of accessibility allows hydrogen to become a cleaner alternative in many other areas, including power generation and industrial operations.

Why On-Site Hydrogen Production Could Be the Future

On-site production addresses two fundamental challenges of conventional hydrogen infrastructure—transportation and cost. Hydrogen transported via trailers or cargo systems requires extensive energy and specialized equipment, which increases expenses and environmental burdens. Producing hydrogen on-site eliminates these hurdles by generating fuel directly at the point of use.

Moreover, the decentralized nature of on-site production means facilities can flexibly produce hydrogen as needed. For instance, Pooler’s proposed facility aims to serve hydrogen-powered freight trucks, an application requiring large volumes of fuel on a daily basis. By producing hydrogen locally, these trucks can rely on consistent and clean energy for regional logistics. This is especially important for heavy-duty applications where hydrogen offers better energy density and performance compared to electric battery systems.

Timeline and Broader Importance of Hydrogen Fueling Technology

Hydrogen fueling stations remain relatively rare in the U.S., with most located in California. However, initiatives like the Pooler project signal a broader push to develop hydrogen infrastructure in other regions. While some planning and approvals remain, the safety track record and modular scalability of hydrogen systems suggest an ambitious yet achievable timeline. With proper investment, Georgia could see operational fueling facilities within the next few years.

This transition toward hydrogen and EV technologies is critical for achieving long-term carbon reduction goals. Unlike traditional energy sources tied to their geographies (e.g., coal or oil reserves), hydrogen can be produced almost anywhere—using water, methane, or biomass. Its versatility in applications, from fueling vehicles to stationary power systems, makes it a key player in decarbonization efforts.

Applying the Technology Today

While the proposed development in Pooler is one of the first in the region, hydrogen and EV fueling technologies are accessible now in many markets. Companies and municipalities can begin planning similar installations to support both light-duty and commercial vehicle needs. On-site hydrogen production allows local jurisdictions and fleets to take actionable steps toward cleaner transportation, cutting costs and emissions simultaneously.