Adelanto officials outline hydrogen‑hub push as city plans for rapid energy growth

Jose Hernandez, the city’s energy consultant, told the Adelanto City Council on May 8 that the city’s electricity needs have surged and officials are pursuing a coordinated strategy to ensure power keeps pace with development. "Adelanto now is at the forefront of discussions in California," Hernandez said, adding that the city has seen load grow “from … a 20 megawatt city to now a 60 megawatt city, and in 3 years becoming a 150 megawatt city.”

Hernandez outlined four near‑term priorities: Edison is reassessing distribution needs in the High Desert; the city is requesting consolidated energy assessments from developers to give Edison a complete picture; city staff are working with Assemblymember Juan Carrillo’s office to speed permitting or application timelines; and a February RFQ signaled Adelanto’s interest in hydrogen infrastructure. He said the RFQ drew six responses to date and that the city’s location and solar/wind resources make it an attractive candidate for hydrogen production and fueling infrastructure under the state’s Arches initiative.

Mayor Reyes and councilmembers thanked Hernandez for the update and emphasized the need to coordinate site planning and funding. Hernandez said letters requesting developer participation in a citywide energy assessment have returned limited responses so far, and he urged additional outreach so the city can provide Edison with consolidated forecasts.

What happens next: Hernandez said the city will continue interviews with RFQ respondents and follow up with developers and the utility; he expects to return with additional recommendations and a report within weeks.