West Virginia establishes ARCH2

ARCH2 will play a vital role in the development and realization of DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub vision.

Zohaib Ali 29 September 2022

The State of West Virginia, EQT Corporation, Battelle, GTI Energy, and Allegheny Science & Technology (AST) have collaborated to establish the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2).

The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) is expected to be centered in West Virginia while expanding its impact, through cooperative efforts in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The region is the ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub, due to its unique access to ample low-cost natural gas feedstock, end-user demand, workforce and technology capability, and carbon sequestration potential.

ARCH2 will be a key foundational component of America’s transition toward decarbonization. The ARCH2 team is composed of entities with operations across the Appalachian region spanning the hydrogen value chain as well as energy technology organizations, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, consultants, academic institutions, community organizations, and NGOs that will provide commercial, technical, and programmatic leadership for the development and buildout of the hub.

The Appalachian region provides significant existing resources for ARCH2, including the critical infrastructure required for low-cost natural gas production and storage, existing pipelines and transportation networks, and proximity to major end-use markets in the Midwest and Northeast.

Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael, said, “This is another example of how West Virginia continues to lead, as we always have, in supplying the energy needs of the United States.”

EQT President and CEO Toby Z. Rice, said, “Blue hydrogen is a reliable, zero-carbon solution that represents a significant next step in our journey.”

Lou Von Thaer, Battelle President and CEO, said, “Battelle’s core mission is to develop and deploy science and technology for societal benefits, which is completely consistent with the Clean Regional Hydrogen Hub objectives.”

Dr. Paula A. Gant, President and CEO of GTI Energy, added, “Our deep roots in the energy industry and collaborative approach to advancing technologies enable us to deploy integrated hydrogen solutions at scale.”

Arria Hines, AST’s CEO, commented, “ARCH2 represents the future of energy in our country and is the foundation upon which a robust regional hydrogen economy will be built.”

Current Participating Entities: