Appalachian Regional Hydrogen Hub Receives Federal Funding for Clean Energy Initiative
Key Ideas
- The ARCH2 hub in Appalachia has been awarded an initial $30 million of up to $925 million in federal funds to advance planning, analysis, and design for the development of multiple hydrogen fueling stations and carbon storage sites.
- This initiative is part of a national effort to establish a clean hydrogen network and is the third hub to receive funding under the bipartisan infrastructure law program.
- The project, led by Battelle, aims to produce hydrogen through various methods including electrolysis, anaerobically digested food waste, and natural gas with carbon capture.
The Energy Department has allocated an initial tranche of funding to the Appalachian regional hydrogen hub, covering West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The hub, known as ARCH2 and led by Battelle, has secured an agreement with the DOE to receive up to $925 million in federal funds. This funding will support the development of hydrogen fueling stations and carbon storage facilities across Appalachia. The project involves the creation of 11 production sites that will utilize different methods to produce hydrogen, such as electrolysis, anaerobically digested food waste, and natural gas with carbon capture technology. The ultimate goal is to enhance clean energy infrastructure in the region and contribute to the establishment of a national clean hydrogen network. This initiative follows similar developments in the Pacific Northwest and California, showcasing a growing commitment to sustainable energy practices in the U.S.