The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) board voted 3-0 on October 29, 2025, to approve the conversion of two units at the Scattergood Generating Station to run on green hydrogen.
The $800 million modernization will replace aging 1950s-era natural gas units with combined-cycle turbines capable of operating on blended fuel (at least 30% hydrogen with natural gas) and eventually 100% hydrogen.
The project is central to Los Angeles's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035. LADWP officials identified the Scattergood modernization as the utility's top infrastructure priority for maintaining grid reliability during peak demand periods, including heat waves and wildfires.
Lorraine Paskett, COO of First Public Hydrogen Authority, stated the project “gives developers, investors, and communities confidence that Los Angeles is ready to lead on clean hydrogen at scale.”
With California's largest municipal utility committing to hydrogen power generation, the path forward continues to remain clear:
- Scale green hydrogen production capacity
- Develop transportation and storage infrastructure
- Demonstrate reliable supply chains at utility scale
- Engage with communities on air quality impacts and mitigation strategies
The conversion must be completed by December 2029, when existing units are required by law to shut down.
