Battelle announced that following a highly competitive evaluation process, the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) consortium was selected by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) to enter the award negotiation phase to establish a clean hydrogen hub (H2Hub) in Appalachia.
ARCH2’s mission is clear: to establish a clean hydrogen hub (H2Hub) in Appalachia, supported by federal funding of up to $925 million under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These H2Hubs are set to be the cornerstone of a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure. But they represent more than just an energy revolution; they embody a vision of sustainable progress, job creation, and community development.
The Appalachian region, which spans West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, boasts a unique blend of resources and capabilities that make it the ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub. Its abundant natural gas feedstock, existing pipelines, transportation networks, and proximity to major end-use markets are strategic advantages that ARCH2 aims to leverage.
Key project partners include industry giants like Air Liquide, Dominion Energy Ohio, EQT Corporation, MPLX, Plug Power, and more. Their collective expertise spans the hydrogen value chain, ensuring ARCH2 has the technical, commercial, and programmatic leadership required for this monumental undertaking.
ARCH2’s impact extends beyond the creation of a clean energy ecosystem. At its peak, the project is expected to generate more than 21,000 jobs, including over 18,000 in construction and more than 3,000 permanent positions. The initiative aims to benefit communities throughout the Appalachian region, particularly in disadvantaged and underserved areas. It’s a testament to the commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
As the world grapples with climate change, ARCH2 stands as a beacon of hope and progress. The Biden-Harris Administration’s focus on clean energy and a net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050 aligns perfectly with the ARCH2 vision. It’s not just about cleaner, safer energy; it’s about creating a better future for the region’s communities, offering good-paying jobs, workforce training, and investment opportunities.
In Appalachia, the hydrogen revolution is taking root. ARCH2 is more than just a project; it’s the promise of a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for the region and the nation. Battelle’s commitment to excellence and transparency in this endeavor is a testament to the determination to prove hydrogen’s economic viability and pave the way for a green energy revolution in the heart of America.
The announcement of ARCH2 is a momentous step forward, and as negotiations with DOE/OCED are set to begin, Appalachia is poised to lead the way in the hydrogen revolution, bringing about a brighter future for all.
