The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program is included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The coalition of six states and now more than 60 clean hydrogen ecosystem partners are laying the groundwork for a proposal for the United States Department of Energy funding opportunity anticipated to be announced in September or October with up to $8 billion in total funding available.
The announcement advances each State's leadership in clean hydrogen infrastructure deployment and supports New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050.
“New York is pleased to welcome Maine and Rhode Island to this diverse and dynamic group of partners as we continue our work to develop and implement a vision for a regional clean hydrogen hub that advances our shared climate goals” said Governor Hochul. “Building a robust and connected clean hydrogen market across the northeast will provide a game-changing clean energy alternative that will transform our ability to meet our shared climate goals while advancing 21st century innovation and stimulating strong economic growth throughout the region.”
Since the initial announcement in March, New York has continued to add strategic partners that now include 14 private sector industry leaders, 12 utilities, 20 hydrogen technology original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), 10 universities, seven non-profits, five other states, two transportation companies and three state agencies. New York will continue to engage with states and entities who are interested in joining, so as to further solidify the region as a viable clean hydrogen hub.
In addition to Maine and Rhode Island, new partners include:
Advent Technologies
Ambient Fuels
Amogy, Inc.
Charbone Hydrogen Corporation
Connecticut Green Bank
Edgewise Energy
EDP Renewables North America
Equinor
H2/HPA Sonics
Hyzon Motors Inc.
Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation
Nel Hydrogen
NECEC (Northeast Clean Energy Council and NECEC Institute)
Northville Industries Corp.
NovoHydrogen, Inc.
Pratt & Whitney
Precision Combustion, Inc.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island Energy
Siena College
Skyre, Inc.
Peaks Renewables and Summit Utilities, Inc.
University of Connecticut
Consortium partners have committed to collaborate with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York Power Authority (NYPA), and Empire State Development (ESD) on proposal development to advance clean hydrogen projects. Partnering states will also coordinate with their respective state entities to help align the consortium's efforts with each state's climate and clean energy goals. These include Connecticut's Global Warming Solutions Act goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050, Massachusetts' goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, New Jersey's Global Warming Response Act goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050, Maine's statutory goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 and reduce gross greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050 and Rhode Island's commitment to achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2033.
The New York Climate Action Council Draft Scoping Plan, released in December 2021, identifies low-carbon fuels such as clean hydrogen as an important component of a strategy to achieve the goals of the Climate Act in sectors that are challenging to electrify, such as transportation and heavy industry.
“With the addition of Maine, Rhode Island, and strategic partners representing education, industry, utilities, and the non-profit sector, we have further strengthened an already strong and diverse group of partners representing the entire value chain from innovation to end use” added NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “Together, we are positioning the region as a leader in clean hydrogen as we decarbonise and work toward achieving a zero-emission economy powered by clean renewable energy.”
New York Power Authority Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said that the expanded collaboration with Maine, Rhode Island and other like-minded partners will significantly boost the value of the clean hydrogen hub proposal and make the Northeast a stronger, more multi-faceted contender for funding through the US Department of Energy.
“Innovative technologies are showing the potential of green hydrogen as a fossil fuel alternative and the time is right to take a deeper dive into the many opportunities that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, benefit the workforce and help build a clean energy economy” added Mr Driscoll.
With the execution of these agreements, the partners will work together to:
Define the shared vision and plans for the regional clean hydrogen hub that can advance safe clean hydrogen energy innovation and investment to address climate change, while improving the health, resiliency, and economic development of the region's residents.
Advance a Hub proposal that makes climate and environmental justice central to its strategy, which will deliver opportunities and improved quality of life to under resourced areas across the region.
Perform research and analysis necessary to support the hub proposal and align on approach to quantifying greenhouse gas emissions reductions as a result of deploying this technology.
Develop a framework to ensure the ecosystem for innovation, production, infrastructure, and related workforce development is shared across all partner states.
Support environmentally responsible opportunities to develop clean hydrogen, in accordance with participating states' policies.
The coalition will continue to focus on the integration of renewables - such as onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, and solar PV - and nuclear power into clean hydrogen production, and the evaluation of clean hydrogen for use in transportation, including for medium and heavy- duty vehicles, heavy industry, and power generation applications or other appropriate uses consistent with decarbonization efforts.
In June 2022, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced that an initial Clean Hydrogen Hubs Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) would be issued in September or October 2022 with an anticipated $6-7 billion in funding available. This initial funding is anticipated to support 6-10 clean hydrogen hubs and be awarded some time in 2023; another $1-2 billion may be made available for future FOA launches or other supporting activities. Proposals may be awarded up to a maximum of $1.25 billion.
For additional information:
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
