Green Energy

The First Hydrogen City

The City of Lancaster, was the first United States city to embrace hydrogen power, earning the moniker of the “First Hydrogen City.” The City has engaged in numerous formal partnerships and agreements to harness the potential of clean hydrogen. Lancaster is jumpstarting hydrogen adoption throughout the Antelope Valley and southern California.

"Lancaster has advanced a bold vision for renewable hydrogen, extending the benefits of clean energy throughout our community. After becoming the first ‘Net Zero’ energy City in the world in 2019, we knew we had to do more. Renewable hydrogen is the way of the future and Lancaster has attracted companies that provide innovative hydrogen solutions around the globe. With several partnerships already underway and the City’s unique, pioneering spirit, Lancaster is well-positioned to continue to lead a trend of cities around the world adopting renewable hydrogen.”

— R. Rex Parris, Mayor, City of Lancaster

A group of people, dressed in business attire, posing for a photo in front of a display that reads "Welcome to BYD" in a modern, well-lit room.

RIDE.co

The City of Lancaster is honored to be the home of a RIDE.co, previously known as BYD, bus manufacturing facility. RIDE.co is a first-rate firm known around the globe as a leader in battery and sustainable energy technologies.

  • Over 750 unionized employees work together to build battery electric buses and motor coaches at RIDE.co’s 556,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Lancaster
  • Lancaster Mayor, R. Rex Parris led an effort to partner with RIDE.co and homebuilding giant KB Home to create this “Home of the Future,” which utilized RIDE.co solar panels, RIDE.co LED lighting, energy-efficient technologies, and RIDE.co residential energy storage to create an affordable green energy home. “This innovative use of cutting-edge technology, coupled with the ability of the BYD/KB team to think outside the box to create the most affordable production green energy home our country had ever seen, was truly inspiring,” said Parris.

The City of Lancaster benefits from many strategic advantages that reinforce its economic growth and development. Positioned at the intersection of Interstate 14 and State Route 138, Lancaster offers same-day access to key hubs such as Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Northern California, and Arizona. This strategic location not only facilitates efficient transportation, but also grants businesses access to consumer markets, ports, and distribution networks. With the future high-speed rail development on the horizon, Lancaster's connectivity is set to enhance even further and offer additional opportunities for economic expansion.

We foster a can-do attitude and healthy team spirit to accomplish our goals, as a community. By doing so, Lancaster is consistently recognized as a business-friendly City that welcomes innovation and new development.