U.S. DOE opens $7 billion funding program for regional clean hydrogen hubs

Outlook & Strategy

September 26, 2022, by Ajsa Habibic

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened applications for the $7 billion program to create regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across the country, as part of a larger $8 billion hydrogen hub program funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The H2Hubs program is launched to form a ‘critical arm’ of America’s future clean energy economy as it will be a central driver in helping communities across the country benefit from clean energy investments, good-paying jobs and improved energy security, U.S. DOE says.

At the same time, the H2Hubs are said to be one of the largest investments in DOE history.

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 7 November 2022 and full applications are due by 7 April 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 decarbonisation 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.

“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”, said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “

“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 realize the full potential of clean hydrogen energy for generations to come.”