Leading the Charge: Intermountain West's Strategic Role in Shaping Hydrogen Energy
Key Ideas
  • Hydrogen's versatility in addressing energy challenges, like transportation and grid stability, underpins the strategic importance of the Intermountain West.
  • The region's unique energy mix and collaboration among universities, labs, and utilities position it as a key player in the future energy landscape.
  • DOE's national labs in the Intermountain West, like INL and PNNL, are spearheading innovations in hydrogen production, storage, and system integration, driving the U.S. hydrogen economy forward.
  • NREL and LANL's cutting-edge research in hydrogen technologies and fuel cells further strengthen the region's role in advancing hydrogen energy solutions for various sectors, including transportation and defense.
Hydrogen's rise as a pivotal energy solution is quietly gaining momentum in the U.S. Intermountain West region. The area is strategically positioned to lead the nation's energy transition by leveraging federal investments and its diverse energy resources. With global hydrogen demand on the rise, the region's focus on innovation and implementation is crucial for addressing energy challenges and creating a scalable hydrogen economy. The Intermountain West's abundant hydropower, geothermal resources, and nuclear research facilities offer ideal conditions for hydrogen production and utilization in various sectors like transportation and manufacturing. DOE's national labs in the region, including Idaho National Lab (INL) and Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL), are pioneering advancements in hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure. Through high-temperature steam electrolysis and innovative research in hydrogen systems, these labs are driving cost reductions and enhancing grid stability, setting the stage for widespread hydrogen adoption. Additionally, research initiatives at National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and Los Alamos National Lab (LANL) are focused on developing next-generation hydrogen technologies and improving fuel cell efficiency for transportation and defense applications. The collaborative efforts between state leadership, industry partners, and national labs in the Intermountain West are not only advancing hydrogen technologies but also shaping the future of carbon-free energy solutions. By bridging the gap between conventional and renewable hydrogen, these initiatives contribute to energy security, job creation, and infrastructure development on a national scale. The region's success in driving progress in the hydrogen sector serves as a beacon for other regions looking to embrace sustainable energy practices.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.