US Treasury Department Finalizes Guidance on Clean Hydrogen Tax Credits
Key Ideas
  • US Treasury Department's finalized guidance on clean hydrogen tax credits maintains strict criteria but offers flexibility to enhance project viability.
  • The guidance aims to make green hydrogen and other forms of clean hydrogen cost competitive, attracting climate-minded buyers and partners.
  • Adjustments in the requirements could benefit key US hydrogen projects, including those utilizing pink hydrogen from nuclear sources and blue hydrogen with carbon capture and storage.
  • Despite challenges related to policy discrepancies and compliance costs, the tax credits could help green hydrogen become economically viable without subsidies by 2035.
The US Treasury Department has released finalized guidance on clean hydrogen tax credits, setting out strict eligibility and verification requirements for projects to access credits of up to $3 per kilogram. While the obligations may add costs and logistical challenges, experts believe they are achievable and essential for making green hydrogen competitive. The guidance includes provisions for green, pink, and blue hydrogen projects, with adjustments from the draft guidance to support key US initiatives. Notable changes include allowing nuclear-powered projects to qualify as 'incremental' low-carbon generation and offering flexibility in meeting hourly matching requirements for renewable energy use. Despite concerns about policy discrepancies and compliance costs, the tax credits are seen as crucial for driving the sector towards economic viability without subsidies by 2035. Energy Intelligence data projects a decline in green hydrogen costs by 2030, potentially reaching competitiveness with gray hydrogen. The guidance aligns with efforts to establish clean energy initiatives and combat climate change.
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