SoCalGas’ [H2] Innovation Experience Earns Spot on Fast Company’s Third Annual List of Tech’s Next Big Things

By Adam Long

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) proudly revealed that its [H2] Innovation Experience in Downey has earned a coveted spot on Fast Company’s prestigious Next Big Things in Tech list. This recognition acknowledges groundbreaking technologies that are poised to shape the future across various industries, from healthcare and security to artificial intelligence and data.

The [H2] Innovation Experience has clinched the 2023 Next Big Things in Tech Award in the Current Events category, highlighting “products and technologies that are tackling the world’s most pressing problems.”

Distinguished as North America’s inaugural clean hydrogen-powered microgrid and home, this project serves as a tangible demonstration of how carbon-free gas derived from renewable electricity can be utilized in its pure form or as a blend to power the energy systems and communities of tomorrow.

Beyond the award accolades, SoCalGas CEO Scott Drury has received an invitation to join Fast Company’s CEO Council, an exclusive assembly of innovative founders, CEOs, and visionaries who convene annually to share insights on innovation, design, technology, ethical economics, and social responsibility, collectively creating a roadmap for driving progress at Fast Company.

“Innovation is key to a successful energy transition, and the [H2] Innovation Experience is a pioneering, real-world example of what we could accomplish by pairing renewable energy, existing infrastructure, and our skilled workforce,” remarked SoCalGas CEO Scott Drury. “Since the [H2] Innovation Experience opened its doors earlier this year, the project has attracted broad interest from around the world, including visiting delegations of national and international energy experts.”

Brendan Vaughan, Fast Company’s editor-in-chief, emphasized the significance of the Next Big Things in Tech list, describing it as a forward-looking exploration into the future. He noted that these recognized products and ideas are poised to define technological innovation for the remainder of the decade and beyond, contributing solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

Notably, in addition to this esteemed award, the [H2] Innovation Experience also emerged as a finalist for “The Best Experimental Design of 2023.” It had previously been honored as a World-Changing Idea by Fast Company and received the U.S. Green Building Council of L.A.’s Sustainable Innovation Award. This groundbreaking project encompasses clean hydrogen production and storage, coupled with a nearly 2,000 square-foot home designed to harness power from solar panels and convert excess renewable energy into clean hydrogen.

Highlighting the ongoing support for hydrogen technology, the U.S. Department of Energy recently granted $1.2 billion to ARCHES, a statewide public-private partnership aimed at accelerating the contribution of renewable hydrogen to decarbonizing California’s economy. SoCalGas actively participates in the ARCHES network, aligning with California’s commitment to advancing hydrogen and renewable energy innovation. The state is one of seven hubs announced as part of President Biden’s H2Hub program, designed to establish regional hydrogen hubs across the United States.

SoCalGas is committed to shaping California’s 21st-century energy system through strategic investments in clean hydrogen, renewable natural gas, fuel cells, and carbon management.