Pooler approves map amendment for hydrogen fueling station

Pooler approves map amendment for hydrogen fueling station

• The Pooler City Council unanimously approved a zoning map amendment that will allow for the construction of an electric vehicle charging station and a HydroFleet manufacturing and fueling site.
• The facility will produce, store, and dispense hydrogen for environmentally friendly trucks, with a current daily production and storage cap of 5,000 kg.
• Concerns about safety were addressed in two town halls, where HydroFleet representatives assured the public of the safety protocols and benefits of hydrogen fuel.

(This story was updated to add new information.) 

After a zoning map amendment approval by Pooler City Council, the city will welcome an electrical vehicle charging station and a HydroFleet manufacturing and fueling site.

HydroFleet will invest nearly $33 million into the Pooler facility that will produce, store and dispense hydrogen for local and regional fleets. The fueling station would service environmentally friendly trucks that run on hydrogen and electric batteries.

Hydo Fleet’s CEO Scott Moe in a press release, said :

Pooler is an ideal location for HydroFleet’s facility due to the proximity to major interstates, the Port of Savannah, and prospective fleet customers

“We know customers want zero-emission fleets but have struggled to source the entire hydrogen ecosystem at a price that is competitive.  Through strategic partnerships and proven, safe technology, HydroFleet solves this challenging industry problem. We look forward to partnering with Pooler to lead the clean energy transition to cost-effective, emission-free heavy truck fleets here in Georgia.”

The zoning map amendment was approved unanimously Monday night with the conditions that there would be a soft cap of production and storage of 5,000 kg daily, if the applicant ever wants to increase that amount they will have to come back to council for approval and the stations would stay within the identified parcel.

The new facility will initially refuel seven to 14 trucks a day with future capacity reaching 50 trucks a day. In December 2024, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), in cooperation with Glovis America, announced it has deployed Hyundai XCIENT heavy-duty hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for clean logistics operations. Initially, a total of 21 XCIENT trucks will be in operation, according to a press release.

Last year, a zoning map amendment for 500 Seaport Parkway was submitted by SBR Savannah Port Logistics Ameris Owner Three, LLC, an affiliate of Capital Development Partners.

It was postponed until the beginning of January by the applicants, and then a final decision was postponed further by city council.

Council’s main concerns regarded safety at the facility. As City Councilmember Michae’l Carpenter put it, to the general public, hydrogen gas goes “boom”.

Though Pooler Fire Chief Wade Simmons and the applicant insisted it was safe, safer than other types of gas even, council decided it would be best if a final decision was postponed until a town hall could be held where the public could ask questions.

Two town halls were held last week, with presentations from HydroFleet and the Southeast Hydrogen Energy Alliance. In the presentation, representatives talked about why hydrogen and what they will be doing at the site.

As of 2024, there are 59 open retail hydrogen stations in the U.S., with an additional 50 stations in various stages of planning or construction. Most of them are in California, but members of Pooler leadership toured a similar facility in Camden County, which has had no issues in the three years its been there.

Benefits to Hydrogen-fueled vehicles are that they are quieter, efficient and low maintenance. They also can be filled quickly and have a long-range. Hydrogen gas is also non-toxic, rapidly disperses into the atmosphere and is lighter than air, making it safer than other types of fuel, according to Des Carlisle with SHEA.

Carlisle also pointed out that hydrogen facilities typically are equipped with the ability to quickly detect leaks and have rigorous safety protocols.

John D. Northup, the attorney with Bouhan Falligant representing the applicant, also mentioned that the city would benefit from this project through environmental and economic tax benefits, water and sewage fees and revenues from energy excise taxes.

Mayor Karen Williams in a press releas, said :

HydroFleet’s investment in Pooler marks an exciting advancement in sustainable innovation and economic growth. This facility will enhance our local economy while establishing Pooler as a leader in clean energy solutions,

“By utilizing safe, proven hydrogen technology, it will reduce emissions and noise pollution, helping create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community.”

The next step for the applicant to proceed is getting site plan approval.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for the Savannah Morning News, covering the municipalities, and community and cultural programs. You can reach her at DAmbus@gannett.com

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Pooler approves map amendment for hydrogen fueling station, source

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