DOE rolling out $8B initiative to develop hydrogen hubs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of intent for an $8 billion initiative to develop regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across America using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

H2Hubs will create networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.

“Hydrogen energy has the power to slash emissions from multiple carbon-intensive sectors and open a world of economic opportunity to clean energy businesses and workers across the country,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “These hydrogen hubs will make significant progress towards President Biden’s vision for a resilient grid that is powered by clean energy and built by American workers.”

Hydrogen energy has the potential to decarbonize multiple economic sectors, including heavy-duty transportation and steel manufacturing. The U.S. produces about 10 million metric tons of hydrogen annually, compared to approximately 90 million tons produced per year globally. While most of the hydrogen produced in the United States comes from natural gas through steam methane reforming, electrolysis technology – which uses electricity to produce hydrogen from water – is an emerging technology that could produce hydrogen using clean electricity from renewable energy, including solar, wind, and nuclear power.

The selection of the regional H2Hubs will consider factors such as environmental justice, community engagement, consent-based siting, equity, and workforce development. DOE will select proposals that prioritize employment opportunities and address hydrogen feedstocks, end uses, and geographic diversity.