Coming as a part of the $8bn hydrogen hub programmes, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the DOE says the hubs will be a key driver in helping communities across the country benefit from clean energy investments, jobs and improved energy security.
Read more: Announcement puts US Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs on the horizon
H2 View understands the DOE is aiming to select six to 10 hubs to receive a combined total of up to $7bn in federal funding under the initial programme. Concept papers are due by November 7, 2022, and full applications must be submitted by April 7, 2023.
The DOE has said additional funding opportunities may follow to accelerate and expand the network of clean hydrogen projects.
Jennifer Granholm, 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.”
In addition to the hub funding the DOE has released a draft of the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for public feedback, which estimates that the use of clean hydrogen could reduce US emissions by around 10% by 2050, compares to 2005 levels.
It reads, “Pathways for clean hydrogen to decarbonise applications are informed by demand scenarios for 2030, 2040, and 2050 – with strategic opportunities for 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) of clean hydrogen annually by 2030, 20 MMT annually by 2040, and 50 MMT annually by 2050. Using clean hydrogen can reduce US emissions approximately 10 percent by 2050 relative to 2005, consistent with the US Long-Term climate strategy.”
The draft roadmap prioritises three key strategies: target strategic, high-impact uses of clean hydrogen; reduce the cost of clean hydrogen; and focus on regional networks, to ensure that clean hydrogen is developed and adopted as an effective decarbonisation tool.
Commenting on the draft strategy, Granholm, said, “With input from America’s brightest scientists, engineers, community organisers, and entrepreneurs, this national hydrogen strategy will help us accelerate the development and deployment of technologies to realise the full potential of clean hydrogen energy for generations to come.”