Harnessing Hydrogen: A Forum on Energy Justice and Equity in Boston
Key Ideas
  • The Office of Energy Justice and Equity at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) collaborated with the Boston Museum of Science to host a forum on hydrogen technology and community benefits, engaging a diverse group of around 100 participants.
  • The forum aimed to educate participants on hydrogen as an energy technology and its potential to reduce carbon footprints in hard-to-decarbonize industries while addressing environmental justice issues left by the fossil fuel era.
  • Through interactive activities, participants learned about supply chain options with hydrogen technology, discussed Community Benefit Plans (CBPs), and emphasized the importance of considering wider community benefits in the transition to a hydrogen economy.
  • The event highlighted the importance of inclusive public engagement and collaboration with science organizations like museums in shaping a sustainable and equitable clean energy future, with participants expressing increased knowledge and understanding of CBPs and hydrogen technology by the end of the forum.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Justice and Equity, in partnership with the Boston Museum of Science, organized a forum in Boston focusing on hydrogen technology and community benefits. The forum, titled 'Harnessing Hydrogen for a Just Transition,' brought together approximately 100 participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in discussions about the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies, particularly hydrogen. The event featured sessions led by experts from DOE offices and the museum, aiming to educate attendees on the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source to reduce carbon footprints in industries like steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing. The forum also addressed environmental justice issues, with a focus on the disparities faced by marginalized communities in the current energy system. Participants were encouraged to envision a hydrogen future that prioritizes wider community benefits and equity, rather than solely focusing on cost and efficiency. Through interactive activities, such as creating supply chain options and developing Community Benefit Plans, attendees actively participated in shaping a more sustainable and just energy transition. The success of the forum in Boston led to a similar event being conducted at the National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program in Washington, DC. The collaborative approach between government agencies, science organizations, and community members showcased the importance of inclusive public engagement in driving discussions on clean energy and environmental justice. Participants expressed a significant increase in their knowledge and awareness of CBPs and hydrogen technology, highlighting the effectiveness of such forums in facilitating learning and dialogue around complex energy issues.
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