Together with Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, Maine and Rhode Island have joined a multi-state agreement sponsored by New York to create one of at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs authorized under the federal Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has bipartisan support, includes the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs initiative.
The coalition of six states and its current membership of more than 60 members of the clean hydrogen ecosystem are laying the groundwork for a proposal for the US Department of Energy funding opportunity, which is expected to be announced in September or October and have a maximum funding amount of $8 billion.
The news supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act objective to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 and enhances each State’s leadership in the deployment of clean hydrogen infrastructure.
As we continue to work to build and implement a vision for a regional clean hydrogen center that advances our shared climate goals, New York is thrilled to welcome Maine and Rhode Island to this varied and vibrant group of partners said, Governor Hochul. “Creating a thriving and interconnected clean hydrogen market across the Northeast will offer a game-changing clean energy option that will improve our capacity to fulfill our common climate objectives, advance 21st-century innovation, and foster robust economic growth throughout the area.”
New York has continued to add strategic partners since the initial announcement in March, and now there are 14 private sector industry leaders, 12 utilities, 20 hydrogen technology original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), 10 universities, 7 non-profits, 5 other states, 2 transportation companies, and 3 state agencies among them. To further establish the area as a viable clean hydrogen center, New York will keep in contact with states and organizations that are interested in participating.
New partners in addition to Maine and Rhode Island are:
Advancing Technology
Airborne Fuels
AOMGY, INC
Corporate Hydrogen Charbone
New Haven Green Bank
Cornerstone Energy
North American EDP Renewables
Equinor
Sonics H2/HPA
Automaker Hyzon Inc.
Fuel cell and hydrogen company Infinity Inc.
Corporation for National Fuel Gas Distribution
Hydrogen nel
NECEC
Corporation Northville Industries
Inc. NovoHydrogen
Purdue & Whitney
Inc. Precision Combustion
Institute of Technology at Rensselaer
Providence Energy
Siena University
Cloudre, Inc.
Summit Utilities, Inc. and Peaks Renewables
College of Connecticut
In order to progress clean hydrogen initiatives, consortium members have agreed to work with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York Power Authority (NYPA), and Empire State Development (ESD). In order to further connect the consortium’s efforts with each state’s climate change and sustainable energy goals, partner states will also work together with their individual state agencies. These include Connecticut’s Global Warming Solutions Act goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, Massachusetts’ goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, New Jersey’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, Maine’s statutory goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and a reduction in gross greenhouse gas emissions of at least 80% by 2050, and Rhode Island’s commitment to achieving 100% by 2050.
Low-carbon fuels like clean hydrogen are cited in the New York Climate Action Council’s Draft Scoping Plan, which was published in December 2021, as a crucial part of a plan to meet the goals of the Climate Act in hard-to-electrify industries including transportation and heavy industry.
“We have further strengthened an already strong and diverse group of partners representing the entire value chain from innovation to end users with the addition of Maine, Rhode Island, and strategic partners representing education, industry, utilities, and the non-profit sector,” added NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. As we decarbonize and endeavor to realize a zero-emission economy fueled by clean renewable energy, “Together, we are establishing the area as a pioneer in clean hydrogen.”
The expanded partnership with Maine, Rhode Island, and other like-minded partners will significantly increase the value of the clean hydrogen hub proposal and make the Northeast a stronger, more competitive candidate for funding through the US Department of Energy, according to Justin E. Driscoll, interim president and CEO of the New York Power Authority.
The potential of green hydrogen as a fossil fuel substitute is being revealed by cutting-edge technologies, said Mr. Driscoll. “Now is the time to delve deeper into the many opportunities that will lower greenhouse gas emissions, benefit the workforce, and aid in the development of a clean energy economy.
Following the signing of these contracts, the parties will cooperate to:
Define the common goals and strategies for the regional clean hydrogen center that may promote investments in safe clean hydrogen energy innovation to combat climate change while enhancing the well-being, adaptability, and economic growth of the local populace.
Promote a Hub idea that places climate and environmental justice at the heart of its strategy, bringing opportunities and bettering the quality of life to the region’s underserved communities.
Carry out the research and analysis required to support the hub concept and agree on a method for assessing the decreases in greenhouse gas emissions brought about by the deployment of this technology.
Create a framework to guarantee that all partner states have access to the ecosystem for innovation, production, infrastructure, and related workforce development.
Support clean hydrogen development prospects that adhere to state rules and are ecologically responsible.
The coalition will continue to concentrate on integrating renewable energy sources, such as onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, solar PV, and solar energy, into the production of clean hydrogen, as well as on the evaluation of clean hydrogen for use in heavy industry, power generation applications, and transportation, including for medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) indicated in June 2022 that the first Clean Hydrogen Hubs Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will be released in September or October 2022, with an expected funding pool of $6-7 billion. A further $1-2 billion may be made available for further FOA launches or other supporting operations; this first financing is expected to support 6–10 clean hydrogen hubs and be awarded sometime in 2023. The most that may be given out for proposals is $1.25 billion.
