Sunline Transit

Supporting zero-emission transit in Southern California

12 January 2026


SunLine Transit Agency has been a pioneer in hydrogen-powered public transportation for over two decades. Its Thousand Palms facility has long housed an on-site fueling station supporting one of the country’s earliest fuel-cell bus fleets. As zero-emission transportation gained momentum statewide, SunLine needed a comprehensive fueling station upgrade, one that could meet rising demand from its growing bus fleet while also serving hydrogen-powered light-duty vehicles in the community.

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To achieve this, SunLine partnered with Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group, selecting a technology and engineering partner with deep hydrogen expertise and a proven ability to execute full-scope fueling projects. Together, the teams set out to modernize the station, replace aging infrastructure, and build capacity for the agency’s long-term clean-energy roadmap.

Client objective

As the sole public transportation provider serving the Coachella Valley, SunLine maintains a clear commitment to delivering clean mobility solutions at scale.

The upgraded fueling station plays a central role in meeting this mission, modernizing fueling operations, reducing environmental impact, and supporting SunLine’s long-term hydrogen investment strategy.


Challenge
SunLine’s previous fueling system had reached its capacity and no longer aligned with the agency’s operational or environmental goals.

Nikkiso and SunLine worked shoulder to shoulder to ensure each engineering and construction milestone aligned with fleet needs, safety requirements, and long-term scalability.

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// With Nikkiso’s experience and advanced equipment, SunLine’s station will be considered the gold standard for modern hydrogen fueling station design, providing a blueprint for other transit hubs transitioning to or adding hydrogen fueling options. //
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Adrian Ridge
President and CEO
Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group
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Oct 2024

Commercial operation date

H35 & H70

System is capable of both fueling pressures

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Equipment and service provided

We deliver complete hydrogen fueling station solutions, from system design and equipment supply through commissioning and ongoing support.

Complete civil, mechanical, and electrical scope
Full system design and engineering
Supply of all major station components and equipment
Construction management and integrated commissioning
Ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) support
Comprehensive delivery model ensured a seamless upgrade while providing SunLine with long-term technical support and reliable station performance
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Technical specifications

Designed to rigorous safety standards, the system delivers consistent performance, high uptime, and scalability to support growing hydrogen bus fleets and long-term clean transportation goals.

3,800 kg liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tank
Two H35/H70 behind-the-fence dispensers for bus fueling
One public-facing H35/H70 dispenser for consumer vehicles
System delivers flexibility, increased capacity, and improved fueling efficiency to support SunLine’s expanding zero-emission fleet and the region’s hydrogen mobility growth
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