Imagine a future where ports transform from industrial behemoths into green energy hubs—where clean power replaces billowing smokestacks, and sustainability becomes the standard rather than the exception.
Toyota Motor North America, in partnership with FuelCell Energy, is turning this vision into reality at the Port of Long Beach, North America's largest vehicle processing center. The company has launched an innovative renewable energy system called Tri-gen, marking a significant milestone in both Toyota's hydrogen strategy and sustainable logistics operations.
A Triple-Threat Energy Solution
The Tri-gen system represents a groundbreaking approach to energy generation, simultaneously producing three vital resources:
- 2.3 megawatts of renewable electricity to power port operations
- 1,200 kilograms of hydrogen daily for fuel cell vehicles
- 1,400 gallons of water as a byproduct for reuse
This integrated system makes the Long Beach facility Toyota's first North American operation to run entirely on onsite renewable power.
Powering a Green Transformation
The electricity generated supports all port operations—from lighting to material handling equipment—while surplus power feeds into the local grid. The hydrogen production capacity supports both Toyota's Mirai fuel cell vehicles and nearby heavy-duty truck fueling stations, potentially eliminating over 420,000 gallons of annual diesel consumption.
Perhaps most innovatively, the system's water byproduct will be used for Toyota's vehicle washing operations, conserving approximately 500,000 gallons of freshwater annually.
Strategic Importance for Toyota
The Long Beach facility processes about 200,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles annually. The Tri-gen implementation aligns with Toyota's "2050 Challenge" to achieve carbon neutrality across its vehicle lifecycle. The project, conceived a decade ago and constructed starting in 2021, represents Toyota's long-term commitment to sustainable solutions.
"Our collaboration with FuelCell Energy aimed to find sustainable solutions for our Long Beach operations to eliminate CO2 emissions," said Tom Stricker, Toyota's Vice President of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs.
The Broader Hydrogen Economy
Toyota's initiative comes as hydrogen gains traction as a clean energy alternative. Various industries—from retail (Walmart) to rail transport—are testing hydrogen applications for heavy equipment. The Tri-gen system alone could prevent over six tons of grid-based nitrogen oxide emissions annually.
The project demonstrates Toyota's comprehensive hydrogen strategy, encompassing not just fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai, but also the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution.
Beyond Environmental Benefits
While emissions reduction remains a primary goal, the Tri-gen system offers additional advantages:
- Enhanced energy security through reduced fossil fuel dependence
- Potential operational cost savings
- Positive community impact through cleaner air and water conservation
Toyota is currently evaluating expansion of the Tri-gen technology to other North American locations. Successful implementation could position Toyota as a leader in port sustainability while providing a replicable model for industrial clean energy transitions.