The US-based clean energy firm received approval from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for a Clean Fuels Fund grant to develop and demonstrate the fuel cell refuse collection vehicle.

Symbio’s fuel cells will power the vehicle using hydrogen produced from Utility’s H2Gen system, which can process variable feedstocks and off-gases to produce hydrogen.

Initial trials are scheduled to begin in Southern California in the first half of 2026.

Additionally, data will be collected and analysed by the Clean Energy Institute at the University of California.

“This alliance is about turning waste into real, scalable decarbonisation,” stated Parker Meeks, CEO of Utility.

The agreement comes shortly after major vehicle corporation Stellantis axed its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle programme in the summer. Symbio said it would seek compensation for the automaker’s sudden exit from hydrogen fuel cell development.

Commenting on the new deal with Utility, Jean-Baptiste Lucas, Symbio CEO, said it will allow the French firm to expand the reach of its fuel cell technology, “while supporting the growing need for sustainable transport solutions in the waste management sector,” he added.