DoE opens $7 Billion funding for hydrogen hubs- H2Hubs

The US Department of Energy opened applications for the $7 billion program to create regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across the country, forming a critical arm of America’s future clean energy economy.

As part of a larger $8 billion hydrogen hub program 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 – all while supporting President Biden’s goal of a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

Hydrogen is a versatile fuel that can be produced from clean, diverse, and domestic energy resources, including wind, solar, and nuclear energy, or by using methane while capturing resulting carbon to reduce emissions. Its unique characteristics make it a strong option to decarbonize energy-intensive heavy industry and support heavy-duty transportation. Hydrogen’s flexibility makes it an important component of President Biden’s strategy to achieve a carbon-free grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Projects funded under this funding opportunity are expected to include a Community Benefits Plan to:

• Support meaningful community and labour engagement
• Invest in America’s workforce
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Contribute to the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities

For this initial funding opportunity launch, DOE aims to select six to ten hubs for a combined total of up to $7 billion in federal funding. Concept papers are due by November 7, 2022, and full applications are due by April 7, 2023. Additional funding opportunities may follow to accelerate and expand the network of clean hydrogen projects.

As part of the Department’s commitment to accelerating the national deployment of clean hydrogen fuel, 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 United States and outlines how to clean hydrogen can contribute to national decarbonization and economic development goals.

Jennifer M. Granholm, the US Secretary of Energy, said, “These H2Hubs are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundation for the clean hydrogen future President Biden is building—one that will lift our economy, protect the planet, and improve our health.”