“Since our state’s founding in 1863, we have cemented our legacy as America’s energy powerhouse. Today’s announcement adds to West Virginia’s ability to power this great nation well into the future,” said Manchin.
“I was proud to help bring ARCH2 to the Mountain State, which will strengthen America’s energy independence, adding to our all-of-the above approach to energy production through the expansion of hydrogen energy while lowering emissions and bringing good paying jobs to our state.”
The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) is expected to be centered in West Virginia while expanding its impact, through cooperative efforts in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The region is the ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub, due to its unique access to ample low-cost natural gas feedstock, end-user demand, workforce and technology capability, and carbon sequestration potential.
ARCH2 will be a key foundational component of America’s transition toward decarbonization. The ARCH2 team is composed of entities with operations across the Appalachian region spanning the hydrogen value chain as well as energy technology organizations, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, consultants, academic institutions, community organizations, and NGOs that will provide commercial, technical, and programmatic leadership for the development and buildout of the hub.
“This initial funding announcement marks an important step in helping the ARCH2 Hydrogen Hub come to fruition,” Capito said. “As part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we ensured West Virginia could continue its proud history of energy production with a clean hub to produce, transport, and use hydrogen as an energy source in our region.”
“I was honored to work alongside Senators Manchin and Capito as well as Governor Justice to make this long overdue project a reality,” added McKinley.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $9.5 billion for hydrogen, including $8 billion for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs that will jumpstart the production, transport, and use of clean hydrogen across the U.S. economy; $1 billion for a Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program to reduce costs of hydrogen produced from clean electricity; and $500 million for Clean Hydrogen Manufacturing and Recycling initiatives to support equipment manufacturing and strong domestic supply chains. The legislation also requires one hub be located in Appalachia as the largest natural gas producing region.
