LADWP’s Hydrogen Leap: Betting Big on a Green Future

LOS ANGELES—In a move that could redefine urban energy transitions, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has approved an $800 million plan to convert its largest natural gas-fired power plant to run on green hydrogen. The decision, made on October 28, 2025, targets the Scattergood Generating Station in Playa del Rey, aiming to retrofit two units with hydrogen-ready turbines by 2029. This step is part of LADWP’s ambitious goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035, a deadline accelerated by local mandates and California’s clean energy push.

The plan has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy. Proponents see it as a critical bridge to a carbon-free grid, maintaining reliability during the shift from fossil fuels. Critics, however, argue it locks in fossil-like infrastructure and raises air quality concerns, potentially delaying true renewables like solar and battery storage. According to the Los Angeles Times, the DWP board’s approval came despite protests, highlighting the tension between innovation and environmental caution.

The Scattergood Overhaul

At the heart of the project is Scattergood’s Units 1 and 2, which will be modernized to burn a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, eventually transitioning to 100% green hydrogen. The utility plans to install advanced turbines capable of handling the fuel switch, ensuring grid stability amid increasing renewable intermittency. LADWP officials emphasize that this is essential for ‘grid resiliency and transmission reliability,’ as stated on their official project page via the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power website.

The conversion draws from earlier initiatives, such as LADWP’s 2019 plan to phase out coal at the Intermountain Power Project and replace it with hydrogen-fueled generation, reported by the American Public Power Association. This latest effort builds on that foundation, positioning Los Angeles as a pioneer in hydrogen power, though not without risks. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity, promises zero-emission combustion, but scaling production remains a hurdle.

Navigating Controversy and Costs

Opposition has been vocal. Environmental groups warn that hydrogen combustion can produce nitrogen oxides, potentially worsening local air pollution. A letter to the editor in the Los Angeles Times described the project as a ‘costly bet on risky, unproven technology,’ arguing it diverts funds from proven alternatives like battery storage and demand response. The $800 million price tag, critics say, could balloon if hydrogen supply chains falter.

Supporters counter that the investment is necessary for reliability. As noted in a report by Fuel Cells Works, the retrofit aligns with LADWP’s 100% renewables target, with hydrogen serving as a dispatchable clean fuel to complement solar and wind. The plan also received a boost from federal incentives, though recent news indicates a setback: the cancellation of $1.2 billion in funding for California’s hydrogen hub, as reported by the Westside Current.

Federal Funding Fallout

Despite the funding cut, LADWP is pressing forward, doubling down on local resources. This resilience underscores the city’s commitment, but it raises questions about financial viability. Industry analysts point to similar projects, like the Intermountain transition, where initial natural gas use paves the way for full hydrogen operation. ‘The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is embarking on a groundbreaking hydrogen generation project,’ noted the American Public Power Association in 2019, a sentiment echoed in current developments.

On social media platform X, sentiment is mixed. Posts highlight both optimism for green innovation and skepticism about environmental impacts, with users referencing potential lung damage from hydrogen burning, as seen in discussions from 2023. One post from Breitbart News in 2023 criticized the shift, stating, ‘The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to convert a natural gas power plant to a new hydrogen system that critics say may not provide enough power and could cause more environmental damage.’

Technological Challenges Ahead

Hydrogen’s promise hinges on ‘green’ production, but infrastructure lags. LADWP aims to source hydrogen from renewable electrolysis, potentially integrating with projects like SoCalGas’s Angeles Link pipeline, which advanced in 2022 toward federal hydrogen hub funding, as posted by SoCalGas on X. However, scaling to meet Scattergood’s needs—estimated at hundreds of tons daily—requires massive renewable capacity.

Technical hurdles include turbine modifications for hydrogen’s higher flame speed and lower energy density. As detailed in Hydrogen Fuel News, ‘Hydrogen-ready turbines can revolutionize Los Angeles’ Scattergood Generating Station,’ offering a 21st-century makeover to the 80-year-old facility. Yet, experts warn of efficiency losses and the need for robust safety measures to prevent leaks.

Broader Implications for Energy Policy

LADWP’s move fits into California’s aggressive climate goals, including 100% clean electricity by 2045 statewide, but LA’s 2035 target is more ambitious. The project could serve as a model for other utilities, as Los Angeles becomes ‘the first U.S. city to use renewable hydrogen to produce electricity,’ according to a 2020 Bloomberg report. This aligns with national efforts under the Inflation Reduction Act to boost hydrogen.

However, air quality remains a flashpoint. Playa del Rey residents, already near oil fields, fear increased emissions. The TechXplore coverage notes the board’s approval despite these concerns, quoting the plan’s role in reaching renewables by 2035. Industry insiders see this as a test case for hydrogen’s viability in peaker plants.

Economic and Supply Chain Dynamics

The economics of green hydrogen are evolving. Current costs exceed natural gas, but projections from the U.S. Department of Energy suggest parity by 2030 with subsidies. LADWP’s investment includes $300 million for turbines and $500 million for infrastructure, funded through rates and bonds. Critics in the Los Angeles Times argue this ‘diminishes our ability to pay for expanded renewables.’

Supply chains are another concern. California’s ARCHES hydrogen hub, despite funding cuts, aims to produce 1 million tons annually. LADWP may partner with entities like the Intermountain Power Agency, building on the 2019 plan to fuel with hydrogen by 2045.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook

Utility leaders like LADWP’s general manager defend the project as indispensable. ‘This project is necessary to maintain grid resiliency,’ states the LADWP website. Environmental advocates, per Fuel Cells Works, praise the step toward decarbonization but urge stricter emission controls.

Looking ahead, success depends on technological maturation and policy support. As Gas to Power Journal reported, ‘LA advances H2 co-firing’ with the approval, setting a precedent. If executed well, Scattergood could illuminate the path for hydrogen in urban energy mixes, balancing ambition with practicality.