#United States #clean hydrogen #Invenergy #Sauk Valley #Rock Falls

Invenergy's Innovative Step into Clean Hydrogen Production

On March 20, 2025, Invenergy, recognized as the largest privately held developer of clean energy solutions, announced a milestone in sustainable energy development with the inauguration of its first clean hydrogen facility, the Sauk Valley Hydrogen project. Situated in Rock Falls, Illinois, the 5-acre site is designed to harness the power generated from a co-located solar facility, integrating advanced electrolyzer technology from Ohmium International. This innovative setup enables the production of up to 40 metric tons of clean hydrogen annually, with a storage capacity for approximately 400 kilograms of hydrogen on-site, thereby marking a substantial advancement in eco-friendly energy alternatives.

Joel Schroeder, Invenergy's Executive Vice President for Engineering and Technology, expressed enthusiasm over the company's commitment to clean energy innovation. "A broad range of industries have recognized the immense potential of clean hydrogen, and I am extremely proud that Invenergy has once again invested in advanced technologies to create a versatile energy asset with multiple applications," Schroeder stated. The team behind Sauk Valley is highly regarded for its expertise and innovation, and Invenergy aims to leverage these skills for future clean hydrogen projects.

The initial hydrogen output from the Sauk Valley facility has already found its first use as a cooling agent for turbines at the adjacent Nelson Energy Center, which is a natural gas facility owned by Invenergy. Moreover, the facility is equipped with a loading capability that allows hydrogen to be transported and utilized off-site. This initiative exemplifies Invenergy's strategy to cater to large hydrogen consumers, such as companies in the liquid fuels and chemical production sectors.

Arne Ballantine, CEO of Ohmium, also acknowledged the joint efforts in this project, highlighting the successful implementation of their advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer technology. This collaboration is poised to significantly contribute to a sustainable energy landscape, emphasizing the positive repercussions that clean hydrogen can have across various industries.

Furthermore, Jon Horek, Vice President of Hydrogen at Invenergy, elaborated on the company's ambitions, stating, "Our substantial renewable portfolio facilitates the production of clean hydrogen for economically challenging sectors across the nation. We are particularly excited to supply Aether Fuels with hydrogen from Sauk Valley, highlighting our unique market capabilities and robust partnerships."

The first order shipped off-site will be delivered by Certarus for an Aether Fuels project, further showcasing the operational viability of the Sauk Valley Hydrogen facility and its role in promoting clean energy solutions.

Sauk Valley Hydrogen stands as the 22nd clean energy project that Invenergy has successfully developed in Illinois, reflecting its ongoing commitment to fostering the state's clean energy economy. The company’s impressive portfolio in Illinois now comprises diverse clean energy initiatives, including wind, solar, clean hydrogen, natural gas generation, and advanced energy storage projects.

Conclusion

As Invenergy continues to forge its path in the clean energy sector, the Sauk Valley Hydrogen facility presents a significant turning point for the industry. With its innovative technology and strategic investments, Invenergy underlines the importance of clean hydrogen in building a sustainable future, paving the way for more environmentally friendly energy practices across various sectors. This pioneering effort serves as a testament to the possibilities of clean energy and its role in addressing global energy challenges.