The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $2.2 billion in awards for two Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The Gulf Coast H2Hub and Midwest H2Hub are the recipients, aiming to accelerate the deployment of low-cost, clean hydrogen production.
"The Biden-Harris Administration has followed through on its promise to kickstart a new domestic hydrogen industry that can produce fuel from almost any energy resource in virtually every part of the country and that can power heavy duty vehicles, heat homes, and fertilize crops," stated U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.
The DOE is committing up to $1.2 billion for the Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub, led by HyVelocity (HyV), and up to $1 billion for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, led by the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen LLC (MachH2). These hubs are expected to drive private sector investment in clean hydrogen and support long-term decarbonization goals.
Clean hydrogen offers flexibility as an energy carrier, produced from various domestic resources like renewables, nuclear, and fossil fuels with carbon capture. It aims to reduce emissions from energy-intensive sectors such as chemical processes and heavy-duty transportation while creating economic opportunities nationwide.
The Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub plans to utilize renewable energy and natural gas from the region to lower hydrogen costs through electrolysis and carbon capture methods. This hub is projected to create approximately 45,000 direct jobs over its lifetime.
Meanwhile, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub will leverage diverse regional energy sources including wind, natural gas, and nuclear power across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. It anticipates creating around 12,000 direct jobs over its project span.
DOE's investment in these hubs represents one of the largest commitments towards clean manufacturing and job creation historically. The seven selected H2Hubs aim to collectively produce millions of metric tons of hydrogen annually by 2030 while reducing carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to those from millions of gasoline-powered cars each year.
Each hub must develop community benefits commitments informed by early engagements with local communities and labor groups. DOE will host virtual briefings for community input on projects.
The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations manages the H2Hubs program providing oversight on project progress including community benefits which influence continued federal funding decisions.
Learn more about how OCED supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s approach towards a clean energy future.
