Regional clean hydrogen hub under development in Appalachia

The ARCH2 is expected to be centered in West Virginia while expanding its impact, through cooperative efforts in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The region is the ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub, due to its unique access to ample low-cost natural gas feedstock, end user demand, workforce and technology capability, and carbon sequestration potential.

ARCH2 will be a key foundational component of America’s transition toward decarbonisation. The ARCH2 team is composed of entities with operations across the Appalachian region spanning the hydrogen value chain as well as energy technology organisations, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, consultants, academic institutions, community organisations and NGOs that will provide commercial, technical and programmatic leadership for the development and build-out of the hub.

Additional industrial partners and other stakeholders, including community organisations, are encouraged to participate and contribute to ARCH2’s clean energy ecosystem.

The Appalachian region provides significant existing resources for ARCH2, including the critical infrastructure required for low-cost natural gas production and storage, existing pipelines and transportation networks, and proximity to major end use markets in the Midwest and Northeast. The region also boasts a highly-skilled energy workforce - as well as support from labor organizations, environmental non-profits, academic institutions, and community stakeholders – all of which will be integral to project development and associated job retention and creation, particularly in disadvantaged and underserved communities.

“Under the leadership of Governor Jim Justice, West Virginia is prepared to lead in this initiative — and others like it — that continue to diversify and grow the energy portfolio of our state and our region while spearheading the expansion of energy options for the nation,” said Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael. “This is another example of how West Virginia continues to lead, as we always have, in supplying the energy needs of the US.”

“The world is demanding cheaper, more reliable, cleaner energy — and lots more of it. Yet, the energy industry has yet to deliver a truly sustainable energy solution that can meet this monumental moment in our efforts to address climate change, while eliminating energy poverty and providing energy security. But that is about to change,” said EQT President and CEO, Toby Z. Rice. “America’s oil and gas industry has awakened to the opportunity in front of them. Abundant, low-emissions Appalachian natural gas can and will serve as the strategic foundation for all phases of our journey to decarbonise the world. Blue hydrogen is a reliable, zero-carbon solution that represents a significant next step in our journey.”

“Battelle’s core mission is to develop and deploy science and technology for societal benefits, which is completely consistent with the Clean Regional Hydrogen Hub objectives,” said Lou Von Thaer, Battelle President and CEO. “Battelle’s experience in managing and executing complex public-private partnerships will lead to a sustainable regional program that meets government and industry objectives, addressing technical, commercial, and social justice goals in a highly transparent manner. We are proud to be part of such an initiative.”

“GTI Energy is developing innovative solutions such as low-carbon hydrogen that enable clean energy access to our communities. Our deep roots in the energy industry and collaborative approach to advancing technologies enable us to deploy integrated hydrogen solutions at scale,” said Dr. Paula A. Gant, President and CEO of GTI Energy. “We have a long history of bringing together public and private partnerships, which will be critical for hydrogen hubs. We are excited to work with our industry and technology partners to support the decarbonisation of the Appalachian region while stimulating economic growth through the development of a hydrogen market.”

“ARCH2 will play a vital role in the development and realisation of DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub vision,” stated Arria Hines, AST’s CEO. “ARCH2 represents the future of energy in our country and is the foundation upon which a robust regional hydrogen economy will be built.” “ARCH2 will combine a world-class team of industry experts with Appalachia’s vast untapped resources, existing energy infrastructure, and proximity to regional markets that will drive an ‘All of the Above’ energy future for our nation.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/03102022/regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-under-development-in-appalachia/