Set to be established in the Appalachian region, the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) is expected to be centred in West Virginia, although its impact is hoped to expand through cooperative efforts in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
H2 View understands, the government-industry collaboration intends to leverage on the region’s access to low-cost natural gas feedstock, end-user demand, workforce and technology capability, and carbon sequestration potential to produce blue hydrogen.
Additionally, the ARCH2 comprises entities with operations spanning the hydrogen value chain, such as the National Energy Technology Laboratory, consultants, academic institutions, community organisations, and NGOs.
According to the collaboration, existing infrastructure for natural gas production and storage, existing pipelines and transportations, and proximity to end-user markets in the Midwest and Northeast, will come be used as significant resources for ARCH2.
The announcement comes less than a week after the US Department of Energy (DOE) opened applications for its $7bn regional hydrogen hub funding programme which is set to fund six to 10 hubs across the US.
Mitch Carmichael, Secretary of Economic Development for the State of West Virginia, commented, “Under the leadership of Governor Jim Justice, West Virginia is prepared to lead in this initiative — and others like it — that continue to diversify and grow the energy portfolio of our state and our region while spearheading the expansion of energy options for the nation.”
“The world is demanding cheaper, more reliable, cleaner energy—and lots more of it,” said, Toby Rice, President and CEO of EQT. ““America’s oil and gas industry has awakened to the opportunity in front of them. Abundant, low-emissions Appalachian natural gas can and will serve as the strategic foundation for all phases of our journey to decarbonise the world. Blue hydrogen is a reliable, zero-carbon solution that represents a significant next step in our journey.”
Arria Hines, CEO of AST, added, “ARCH2 will play a vital role in the development and realisation of DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub vision. ARCH2 represents the future of energy in our country and is the foundation upon which a robust regional hydrogen economy will be built.”
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