Empire Diversified Energy has been selected as the first sub-recipient of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub’s (ARCH2) federally granted funding. The project, in collaboration with Heartland Water Technology, aims to produce hydrogen from food waste in West Virginia. Utilizing an anaerobic digester and HelioStorm technology, the partners plan to convert biogas into clean hydrogen and carbon black. The initiative, recognized as a Project Development Phase (PDP) in the ARCH2 program, highlights the innovative approach to renewable energy. Empire's COO sees the hydrogen hub as a platform for collaboration, research, and development, emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits of decentralized hydrogen infrastructure. Heartland's CEO echoes the sentiment, highlighting the importance of renewable hydrogen in fostering a sustainable, circular economy. This partnership signifies a significant step towards achieving hydrogen goals through groundbreaking methods of waste conversion. The project is set to commence operations at the Port of West Virginia next year, showcasing a promising future for hydrogen production from food waste in the region.