The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a significant step forward for the development of hydrogen energy with an agreement to support the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH 2). This public-private consortium will receive up to $925 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to establish a hydrogen hub across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The initial agreement releases $30 million to fund the planning and siting of 11 documented projects involving 12 companies, with the planning phase expected to last up to 36 months.

ARCH 2 is among the seven recipients of the $7 billion hydrogen funding created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The hub aims to address climate change by producing hydrogen from natural gas and capturing the resulting carbon dioxide for underground storage. Hydrogen is viewed as a potential climate solution due to its zero carbon dioxide emissions when used, although the production process can still generate significant carbon pollution.

The consortium includes natural gas producers such as CNX and EQT, which plan to use hydrogen for fueling buses and trucks, producing aviation fuel, ammonia for fertilizers, and potentially for power plants and data centers. Toby Z. Rice, President & CEO of EQT, sees the agreement as an opportunity to lead in natural gas innovations and address industry carbon footprint challenges.

Source: alleghenyfront.org