The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it has selected the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association’s PNWH2 Hub for award negotiations as one of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs following a competitive nationwide process.
DOE’s H2Hubs will kickstart a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, delivery, and end-use of clean hydrogen.
Funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the H2Hubs will accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of clean hydrogen—helping generate clean, dispatchable power, create a new form of energy storage, and decarbonise heavy industry and transportation.
Together, they will also reduce 25 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from end uses each year.
The PNWH2 Hub will leverage the clean power and innovative technology companies in the Pacific Northwest to accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen production and use.
DOE and the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association will negotiate the final funding and scope for the hub beginning this fall. The following companies have projects proposed as part of the PNWH2 Hub:
- Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy US LLC
- Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc.
- Northwest Seaport Alliance
- Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub
- USA Fortescue Future Industries, Inc.
- Williams Field Services Group, LLC
And many more.
The PNWH2 Hub is eligible to receive up to $1 billion (€949 million) in federal funding over four DOE-defined development phases spanning nine years, with $20 million (€18.98 million) allocated for Phase 1.
DOE will evaluate the hub’s activities and deliver go/no-go decisions at each phase.
The PNWH2 Hub will kick off Phase 1 in early 2024 to refine projections submitted in the proposal and provide assurance to DOE that the overall hydrogen hub concept and proposed projects are technologically, financially and legally viable, with buy-in from local stakeholders
US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm says: ‘Unlocking the full potential of hydrogen—a versatile fuel that can be made from almost any energy resource in virtually every part of the country—is crucial to achieving President Biden’s goal of American industry powered by American clean energy, ensuring less volatility and more affordable clean energy options for American families and businesses.’
