US Government pledges $7 billion to jump-start America's clean hydrogen economy
Hydrogen commitment includes funding opportunity for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, and release of draft DOE National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today opened applications for the $7 billion program to create regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across the country, which will form a critical arm of America's future clean energy economy. As part of a larger $8 billion hydrogen hub program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the H2Hubs will be supporting the US goal of a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
The DOE has announced that the projects funded under this funding opportunity are expected to include a Community Benefits Plan to:
- Support meaningful community and labor engagement;
- Invest in America’s workforce;
- Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and
- 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 is aiming 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 clean hydrogen can contribute to national decarbonization and economic development goals. A final version of the strategy and roadmap will be released in the coming months and updated at least every three years.
