Hydrogen Production Takes Center Stage at Amazon’s New Planned Visalia Warehouse

Amazon is pioneering industrial decarbonization with a new hydrogen-powered warehouse in Visalia, California. The facility, spanning 2.7 million square feet at CapRock Partners' Central Point III site, will be built in partnership with Plug Power, which will install an onsite hydrogen production plant. The warehouse will feature 274 dock-high doors, two ground-level ramps, 40-foot clear heights, and advanced energy-saving measures, aiming for LEED Silver certification.

Hydrogen-powered forklifts and pallet jacks will replace traditional models, refueling in minutes and providing consistent power. This setup aligns with Amazon's fast delivery model and reduces emissions. The project enhances energy resilience by minimizing reliance on delivered fuels.

Visalia, known for agriculture, is transforming into a logistics hub. The Central Point III project, alongside a new UPS facility, could create hundreds of jobs and diversify the local economy. However, challenges such as water needs, power demands, and safety concerns require careful planning.

Local and state leaders are exploring funding to support clean-energy initiatives, which could help offset the upfront costs of onsite hydrogen infrastructure. This project sets a precedent for sustainable logistics, demonstrating that speed, flexibility, and decarbonization can coexist.