Texas legislators have propelled the state into the forefront of the burgeoning hydrogen industry by establishing the Texas Hydrogen Production Policy Council.
The recent announcement by the Railroad Commission, tasked with overseeing the state’s hydrogen potential, marks a significant step toward embracing clean energy solutions.
The Railroad Commission, responding to the legislative directive under House Bill 2847, has chosen 11 council members, including Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick. The council’s inaugural meeting in mid-December laid the foundation for a collaborative effort to guide Texas in unlocking its hydrogen potential. The selected members, representing entities such as GTI Energy, Port of Corpus Christi, Chevron, CenterPoint Energy, and Air Liquide, emphasize the diverse participation aimed at receiving comprehensive insights into hydrogen transport, distribution, and storage.
Under the provisions of House Bill 2847, the council is entrusted with a vital role in recommending updates to the Legislature concerning the oversight and regulation of hydrogen production, pipeline transportation, and storage. Duties include the formulation of a state plan for hydrogen production oversight, analysis of hydrogen industry development across the state, and monitoring regional initiatives authorized by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Susan Shifflett, the executive director of the Texas Hydrogen Alliance, sees the recent selection of the Houston region for a federal Gulf Coast hydrogen hub as just the beginning of a broader hydrogen development in Texas. Notably, this initiative comes with substantial federal funding, amounting to $1.2 billion.
Expressing optimism about the future, Shifflett sees hydrogen as a crucial bridge between the energy landscape of today and tomorrow. Texas, endowed with an extensive pipeline infrastructure, can potentially export hydrogen from its ports, positioning the state as a key player in the global hydrogen market.
The Permian Basin, known for its oil and gas prominence, emerges as a strategic player in this energy expansion. Shifflett highlights the region’s renewable energy sources, including solar arrays and wind farms, as significant contributors to hydrogen production. The versatility of hydrogen, available in various forms like blue, green, and brown, aligns with the Texas Hydrogen Alliance’s goal of fostering hydrogen energy growth.
The newly-appointed council members, comprising industry experts from Air Liquide, Air Products & Chemicals, Baker Hughes, CenterPoint Energy, Chevron New Energies, Enterprise Products, Environmental Defense Fund, GTI Energy, Port of Corpus Christi Authority, the University of Texas, and Williams Companies, reflect a diverse spectrum of expertise.
Looking ahead, Shifflett emphasizes the Texas Hydrogen Alliance’s commitment to educational initiatives. These efforts encompass disseminating knowledge on rules and regulations governing hydrogen production, transportation, and storage. Additionally, there will be a focus on training first responders to effectively handle hydrogen-related incidents.
As Texas sets its sights on a hydrogen-powered future, the state’s legislative and industrial leaders are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.
