Construction is set to start on a multi-million dollar plant near Exit 9 in Princeton that will use locally-mined coal to produce hydrogen-based gas for clean electricity generation. The project, led by TNT Hydrogen, aims to construct several plants in Mercer County, with the first one in Princeton expected to employ 100 to 125 people. The company plans to work with investors and is close to finalizing the financial plan. The clean energy produced will be utilized by the 13-state PJM grid. TNT Hydrogen's Managing Partner, Tim Hawks, mentioned that the project has been in the works for two years and is scheduled to commence detailed engineering next spring. The company is also considering building a second plant in Bluefield. By utilizing metallurgical coal, the project will create hydrogen gas and carbon black, benefitting the steel and tire industries. The initiative will require around 1,000 tons of coal per day, leading to the creation of new coal mining jobs. The project has garnered support from local officials, with efforts to ensure compliance with state regulations and the availability of skilled workers for the job opportunities. Hawks emphasized the goal of creating high-paying jobs and powering major cities with clean energy. The company estimates the construction of each hydrogen plant to cost approximately $300 million, with plans to generate electricity on-site using turbines with no carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to revive the struggling local coal mining operators by reducing the need to export coal overseas. TNT Hydrogen's project aims to create a significant number of direct and indirect job opportunities, with potential employment for 3,000 people in the region. Through partnerships with local mines and the utilization of coal and hydrogen, the project seeks to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly energy to the PJM grid and contribute to economic development in the area.