Columbia-based companies aich2 and ImaGEN have teamed up with the City of Columbia to breathe new life into a dormant hydrogen refueling station, marking a significant step in the region’s clean energy initiative.
In 2023, ImaGEN leased the former fueling station from the City of Columbia with a vision to create a safer and more efficient hydrogen fueling system. The original station, plagued by high costs and complicated infrastructure, had ceased operations shortly after opening. However, ImaGEN’s Tru-H2 hydrogen generation system promises to overcome these hurdles, offering a practical solution for the station’s revival.
“Our system works by storing hydrogen as a solid and generating it directly at the point of use,” explained ImaGEN CEO Ron Seftick. “This approach ensures safe and efficient transportation in any quantity—something no other hydrogen energy solution can accomplish.”
To expedite the commercialization of this technology, ImaGEN has partnered with clean energy company aich2. This fueling station is part of a larger initiative, which includes plans to replace existing backup power generators with a competitive hydrogen-based solution.
“This technology enables hydrogen energy to scale across our economy at an unprecedented pace compared to traditional methods,” said aich2 CEO and Co-Founder Eric Brown. “Our solution could be deployed to fueling stations across North America well before existing hydrogen hub plans come to fruition.”
The site will serve as a demonstration hub and a catalyst for future hydrogen projects, supporting the City of Columbia’s plans to introduce a hydrogen bus system. The growth of these projects aims to boost the local economy and establish the Midlands as a leader in hydrogen technology.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to transition our bus system to clean energy and position the Midlands as a hydrogen energy leader,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Creating sustainable solutions puts Columbia at the forefront of innovation in the clean energy space.”
Members of the community are invited to experience the technology firsthand at a demo day hosted by aich2, ImaGEN, and Mayor Rickenmann’s office. The event will take place from 9 to 11 am on July 31st at the future fueling site, located at 335 Richland Street in Columbia.
