U.S. Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations has set the stage for a clean energy revolution in West Virginia.
The announcement of $7 billion in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for seven regional hydrogen hubs marks a significant stride towards establishing the United States as a leader in affordable and clean hydrogen production.
The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, known as ARCH2, headquartered in Morgantown, W.Va., is at the forefront of this transformative initiative. With up to $925 million in federal funding, ARCH2 is poised to leverage Appalachia’s abundant natural gas resources for hydrogen production while incorporating cutting-edge carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This strategic move aligns with the broader goal of accelerating the development, production, and market share of clean hydrogen in the U.S.
West Virginia’s unique position in the energy landscape, particularly its access to dependable, abundant, and affordable natural gas, makes it an ideal location for large-scale hydrogen development. Natural gas, serving as a feedstock in the hydrogen production process, showcases the state’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of industrial processes.
The ARCH2 network is not just about hydrogen production; it’s a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders across the value chain. Entities such as the National Energy Technology Laboratory, academic institutions, community organizations, and non-governmental organizations are collaboratively driving ARCH2’s development. This collaborative effort is expected to directly support over 21,000 jobs, providing economic and community benefits to West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.
The substantial investment in ARCH2 will facilitate several key initiatives:
- New Facilities: Development of new facilities for manufacturing and assembling equipment dedicated to hydrogen production.
- Diverse Hydrogen Production: Production of hydrogen and ammonia utilizing captured coal-mine methane, showcasing West Virginia’s commitment to innovation.
- Adoption in Hard-to-Abate Industries: Building or converting existing facilities in hard-to-abate industries such as industrial manufacturing, chemical plants, data centers, and power generation to use hydrogen.
- Pipeline Infrastructure: Construction of pipeline infrastructure for transporting hydrogen and natural gas-hydrogen fuel blends.
- Carbon Capture and Storage: Implementation of CCS technology for permanent carbon dioxide storage, ensuring responsible environmental practices.
The leadership voices, including Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia Executive Director Charlie Burd, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, and industry leaders like Toby Rice, express unanimous enthusiasm for West Virginia’s pivotal role in the clean energy transition.
This monumental announcement has been hailed as a “clear win for our economy, workforce, and environment” by Charlie Burd. Secretary Granholm emphasized that West Virginia will be at the forefront of creating a new clean energy economy, reducing carbon pollution significantly.
Senators Manchin and Capito view this development as transformative for West Virginia’s future, creating thousands of jobs and positioning the state as an energy hub for generations to come.
Industry leaders, including Brad D. Smith, President of Marshall University, Lou Von Thaer, President and CEO of Battelle, and Toby Rice, President and CEO of EQT, anticipate ARCH2’s profound impact on West Virginia’s economic opportunity, innovation, and research and development.
