Governors from four states—New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming—today announced their intent to collaborate on a western inter-state hydrogen hub to compete for new hydrogen infrastructure funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A hydrogen hub from this multi-state collaboration can take advantage of diverse energy resources, national labs, academic institutions, industry, and community stakeholders throughout the region to optimize an application for federal hydrogen hubs funding that covers the full clean hydrogen value chain. Clean Air Task Force (CATF) welcomes the four states’ stated commitment to producing climate-beneficial hydrogen-based fuels in ways that empower and protect frontline communities, minimize pipeline leaks, and address negative air quality impacts.
“Building out regional, low-carbon hydrogen economies is an essential and potent component of a decarbonizing economy,” said Andrew Place, State Energy and Climate Policy Director for Clean Air Task Force. “This region’s uniquely diverse and interconnected energy resources, existing and potential carbon management assets, and renowned research institutions are powerful drivers for leading success. Within the context of an energy hungry and growing economy, this region is well placed to lead as early adopters of clean hydrogen technologies.”
A hydrogen hub is a close proximity network of zero-carbon fuels production and end-use demonstrations that supports industry learning at a large scale and achieves net-greenhouse gas emissions reductions and other regional environmental benefits. “CATF strongly supported the creation and authorization of the $8 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a wide-reaching bill that will spur the infrastructure development needed for deep decarbonization” said Conrad Schneider, Advocacy Director at Clean Air Task Force. “We hope a western hub can help achieve the goal of demonstrating effective regional hydrogen economies and the production of low-carbon hydrogen,” he added.
Hallmarks of a successful clean hydrogen hub are likely to include a wide range of potential hydrogen off-takers, strong public engagement, and commitment to delivering near-term environmental benefits. Hubs that use natural gas to make hydrogen should have a robust system for detecting and eliminating methane leaks in the upstream natural gas supply chain and access to high-quality carbon sequestration resources. Hubs that make hydrogen from electricity should have access to a surplus of renewable or nuclear energy.
Press Contacts: Troy Shaheen, Communications Director, U.S., [email protected], 845-750-1189; and Stuart Ross, Communications Director, [email protected], 914-649-5037.
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world.
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