The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has selected the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) consortium for up to $925 million in federal support. ARCH2 and the OCED will now enter the award negotiation phase to establish a clean hydrogen hub (H2Hub) in Appalachia.
“I am so honored that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub for up to $925 million in federal support,” said West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin. “Now, our region will be on the leading edge of building out the new hydrogen market while bringing good-paying jobs and new economic opportunity in West Virginia and the Appalachian region.”
The H2Hub will help reduce 25 million metric tons of CO2 emissions from end-users each year, an amount roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of 5.5 million gasoline-powered cars. The project will also create jobs across the country while supporting healthier communities and strengthening America's energy security.
“Unlocking the full potential of hydrogen… is crucial to achieving President Biden’s goal of American industry powered by American clean energy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With this historic investment, the Biden-Harris Administration is laying the foundation for a new, American-led industry that will propel the global clean energy transition while creating high-quality jobs and delivering healthier communities in every pocket of the nation.”
ARCH2 is an ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub due to its access to low-cost natural gas feedstock, industrial end-user demand, workforce and technology capabilities, and carbon sequestration potential.
Battelle, an applied science and technology company, will lead ARCH2 as the overall Program Manager and prime recipient of ARCH2 funding from the OCED. The company will be supported by a Program Management Office team, including GTI Energy, Allegheny Science & Technology (AST), and TRC Companies.
Battelle will also work with the West Virginia University Innovation Corporation to establish an ARCH2 Program Office on the University’s campus in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Other important project development partners include Air Liquide, The Chemours Company, CNX Resources Corp, Dominion Energy Ohio, Empire Diversified Energy, EQT Corporation, Fidelis New Energy, First Mode, Hog Lick Aggregates, Hope Gas Inc., Independence Hydrogen Inc., KeyState Energy, MPLX, Plug Power, and TC Energy.
ARCH2 is expected to create more than 21,000 jobs, including more than 18,000 in construction and more than 3,000 permanent jobs, helping ensure the Appalachian community benefits from the development and operation of the Hub. ARCH2 will also help the OCED make significant progress toward the Administration’s 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal.
