Cadiz, RIC Study California Hydrogen Pipeline Along 220-Mile Corridor
Cadiz and RIC Energy have signed an agreement to evaluate hydrogen pipeline infrastructure along Cadiz's 220-mile Northern Pipeline corridor as part of a broader clean hydrogen development initiative in California's Mojave Desert.
(P&GJ) — Cadiz Inc. and RIC Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate hydrogen transportation infrastructure along Cadiz's existing 220-mile Northern Pipeline corridor as part of a broader green hydrogen development initiative in California's Mojave Desert.
The agreement expands a partnership launched in 2024 by adding plans for on-site solar generation while advancing studies for future hydrogen production, storage and transportation infrastructure at Cadiz Ranch.
Under the MOU, the companies will evaluate the feasibility of siting, permitting and constructing hydrogen transportation infrastructure, including dedicated hydrogen pipelines, within the Northern Pipeline corridor and other existing rights-of-way to supply regional markets and future off-site customers.
The companies also plan to negotiate a power purchase agreement for electricity generated by new on-site solar facilities and assess the electrical and transmission infrastructure needed to integrate renewable power with future hydrogen production.
Cadiz Chair and CEO Susan Kennedy said the agreement builds on the company's efforts to transition its operations to lower-carbon energy sources.
"This MOU enables the next step—powering those operations with on-site solar generation while advancing green hydrogen as a future fuel source for the Mojave Groundwater Bank and other regional water infrastructure," Kennedy said.
The infrastructure study follows two recent developments supporting the broader project. Earlier this month, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management approved a right-of-way grant allowing Cadiz to convert its 220-mile Northern Pipeline from natural gas service to water conveyance. Earlier this year, San Bernardino County and the Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company established the San Bernardino Water and Power Authority to support regional water and energy infrastructure development.
RIC Energy CEO Jonathan Rappe said the companies are designing infrastructure intended to support future hydrogen deployment alongside renewable energy development.
"We are designing an integrated renewable energy platform that can evolve alongside the hydrogen economy and support one of California's most important water infrastructure developments," Rappe said.