The US Department of Energy has opened applications for a $7 billion programme to create regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across the USA. As part of a larger $8 billion hydrogen hub programme funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the H2Hubs “will be a central driver in helping communities across the country benefit from clean energy investments, good-paying jobs, and improved energy security” in support of the goal to achieve a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
“With input from America’s brightest scientists, engineers, community organizers, and entrepreneurs, this national hydrogen strategy will help us accelerate the development and deployment of technologies to realise the full potential of clean hydrogen energy for generations to come,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M Granholm.
The H2Hubs will be one of the largest investments in DOE history, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations with support from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. DOE is aiming to select 6-10 hubs for a combined total of up to $7 billion in federal funding. Concept papers are due by 7 November and full applications are due by 7 April 2023.
DOE also released a draft of the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for public feedback. The Roadmap provides a comprehensive overview of the potential for hydrogen production, transport, storage, and use in the USA and outlines how clean hydrogen can contribute to national decarbonisation and economic development goals. A final version of the strategy and roadmap will be released in the coming months and updated at least every three years.
Image: Clean hydrogen tanks (courtesy of US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy)
