Clean manufacturing and low-carbon hydrogen innovator K2 Pure Solutions has broken ground on a landmark hydrogen project in Pittsburg, marking a major step in California’s energy transition.
The facility, slated for commissioning in early summer 2026, will transform K2’s existing chlor-alkali operations into the state’s first commercial source of low-carbon, high-pressure hydrogen, serving both municipal and industrial customers.
Under an exclusive agreement, PACC Services will act as K2’s commercial partner, handling hydrogen marketing, customer engagement, offtake development, and coordinating logistics and distribution across transportation, industrial, and power markets. The collaboration positions K2 and PACC at the forefront of California’s expanding clean-molecules economy.
“Breaking ground marks more than a construction milestone, it's the moment California's hydrogen economy starts to scale,” said Howard Brodie, CEO of K2 Pure Solutions. “Our Northern California footprint puts us close to customers who are ready to act on sustainability today, not in the distant future. Pittsburg is the ideal home for this next chapter: a community with deep industrial roots and a forward-looking spirit.”
David Cynamon, Chairman of K2, added, “This expansion represents K2's commitment to building the infrastructure California needs to achieve its clean energy goals. We're not just talking about the hydrogen economy, we're building it, right here in Pittsburg. This facility will demonstrate that scaling hydrogen production is both achievable and essential for the energy future. We're proud to invest in a community that shares our vision for sustainable industrial growth.”
K2’s chlor-alkali plant, which manufactures bleach for water-purification systems statewide, naturally produces hydrogen as a byproduct. Instead of letting it go to waste, K2 is investing in advanced systems to capture, purify, compress, and distribute it as low-carbon fuel. Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is leading the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction.
“PACC is proud to partner with K2 Pure Solutions to bring new hydrogen supply to market in California,” said Andrew Carman, CEO of PACC Services. “Our mission is to build commercial bridges in dislocated markets; creating partnerships with producers like K2 to bring their molecules to end users.”
“This project exemplifies the vast potential of hydrogen; turning what was once a waste stream into a commodity that will be used decarbonize multiple sectors, all with private capital,” said Tyson Eckerle, Senior Advisor at California Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development.
“The success of our state's hydrogen market hinges on developing projects like this, and we commend K2 Pure Solutions, PACC Services and the City of Pittsburg for moving this project forward.”
