Titled the Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative, the bipartisan package hopes to address high-value, end-use applications and the buildout of infrastructure needed to transport, store and deliver hydrogen.

In order to achieve this legislation included in the package wants to create a pilot Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (HIFIA) programme to provide grants and flexible, low-interest loans for hydrogen transport infrastructure projects.

Further to that, the legislation also wants to promote hydrogen and ammonia-fuelled equipment at ports and in shipping applications, support commercial scale projects for end-use industrial applications of hydrogen.

Senators Bill Cassidy, Chris Coons and John Cornyn on Thursday (Oct 28) introduced the package, with co-sponsors Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, all of which are passionate about a clean, green future.

All of the efforts outlined in the bill package support US President Joe Biden’s clean energy plans for the US, to help progress a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice in the country.

Senator Cassidy, said, “These research and grant programs for ports, shipping, industry, and hydrogen infrastructure are needed investments in the future of energy. Louisiana is already an energy powerhouse. These bills will allow Louisiana to continue to be a global leader.”

“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source, but we lack the infrastructure to reap its benefits for a wide range of industries. This legislation would help make hydrogen more accessible and cost-effective so businesses and consumers can utilise this reliable energy resource,” Senator Cornyn, added.

Already, the infrastructure package has received great support, having been endoursed by Bipartisan Policy Centre (BPC) Action, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Chemours, Linde, Lanzatech, Clean Air Task Force, RMI, Third Way, ClearPath, Air Liquide, Industrial Innovation Initiative (I3), and Cummins.

Joe Fawell, Vice President for Government Affairs at Air Liquide, said, “By leveraging hydrogen’s versatility, the Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative will encourage the adoption of hydrogen technologies in those sectors where hydrogen offers an efficient and effective path to decarbonisation, including ports and industrial sectors.”

Rich Powell, Executive Director at ClearPath, added, “As many countries begin to include hydrogen in their decarbonisation efforts, a global race to supply clean hydrogen has begun — and America has a tremendous opportunity.

“Hydrogen has huge potential to connect sectors of the economy to maximise resources in the overall clean energy system. Smart policies like this hydrogen innovation initiative will help accelerate deployment and necessary infrastructure.”