The Department of Energy (DOE) has released the US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, outlining a comprehensive plan to promote the widespread adoption of clean hydrogen power in various industries.
The strategy’s primary goal is to decarbonize applications and achieve the production of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) of clean hydrogen by 2030, followed by 20 MMT annually by 2040 and 50 MMT annually by 2050. This ambitious plan aims to reduce US emissions by approximately 10 percent by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.
To support the implementation of the strategy, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $9.5 billion specifically for funding green hydrogen projects. These funds will primarily target emissions-intensive industries such as steel production, heavy-duty transportation, and long-duration energy storage, making green hydrogen a more affordable and accessible option.
The production of green hydrogen relies on the process of electrolysis, which involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer. Recognizing the significance of this technology for green hydrogen production, the strategy includes a $1 billion Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program. This program aims to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electrolysis technologies by supporting the entire innovation chain, encompassing research, development, demonstration, commercialization, and deployment.
The DOE estimates that the increase in green hydrogen production and infrastructure will lead to the creation of 100,000 new direct and indirect jobs by 2030, providing a significant boost to the economy.
The roadmap focuses on three key strategies for achieving success: identifying high-impact uses for clean hydrogen, reducing the cost of clean hydrogen production, and developing regional clean hydrogen networks. The DOE emphasizes the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including industry, academia, national laboratories, local and Tribal communities, energy and environmental justice communities, labor unions, and other relevant groups. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate progress and facilitate the market adoption of clean hydrogen.
Furthermore, the roadmap highlights the Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (PTC) as a key incentivizing factor. The Inflation Reduction Act includes the PTC, which provides financial rewards of up to $3 per kilogram of green hydrogen produced until 2032. This tax credit serves as an additional motivation for the accelerated production of clean hydrogen.
The US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap sets a clear path for the development and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies across various sectors. With the allocated funding, emphasis on collaboration, and incentivizing measures, the strategy aims to drive the widespread adoption of clean hydrogen, enabling significant reductions in carbon emissions and fostering economic growth.
