BayoTech is a US based hydrogen transport and storage company, whose Biogas Hydrogen Hub, which is located in Wentzville, Missouri, has recently started producing hydrogen.

The plant has an annual production capacity of 350 tons of hydrogen and it has hopes of becoming a plant which supplies hydrogen to fuel cell equipment operators and industrial processes. The hub has confirmed that all the hydrogen it produces is produced with steam methane reforming (SMR) technology. The plant was built over a ten-month period and BayoTech have said that during this time, more than 20 local companies provided help to the project, through the supply of materials and services, including a workforce who contributed more than 42,000 labour hours. It is expected that this facility will create a maximum of 10 new permanent jobs. Alongside this progress and aims, the hub’s main purpose is to reduce emissions from local transport and industries, plus through working with Wentzville Ranken Technical College, the hub is expected to provide educational opportunities.

When the facility was opened, partners from Nikola, who the company had begun their deal with, in July of 2023, were there, along with others. This deal consisted of BayoTech agreeing to provide hydrogen from the Missouri site, in exchange for Nikola, the truck manufacturer, selling up to 50 of their Class 8 fuel cell electric trucks, within the next five years. Along with Nikola, Congressman Blaine Leutkemeye, attended the opening and gave positive feedback around the development of hydrogen, saying it could boost the state’s economy and energy independence.

The Congressman said, “I commend BayoTech for its leadership in bringing low-cost, locally sourced energy to the market. I also appreciate its partnership with Rankin Technical College and their commitment to training local students to participate in the emerging industry.”

President and CEO of BayoTech Mo Vargas, commented, “This landmark achievement represents a significant step forward in our company’s mission to establish a network of localised hydrogen production hubs throughout the US,” “These hubs will not just produce hydrogen; they will produce opportunities, jobs, local investment, and a cleaner local community for generations to come.”

Nikola’s Global Head of Sales, Ryan Clayton, added, “This partnership, in addition to BayoTech’s plan to purchase up to 50 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, signals the first of many steps in establishing a dependable hydrogen infrastructure, accelerating the transition to a more sustainable transportation landscape.”

Wentzville Mayor, Nick Guccione, shared praise on the project too, saying, “I am thrilled to see the completion of BayoTech’s first hydrogen production plant in Wentzville… We look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on our local economy and its role in advancing clean energy goals in Missouri.”