WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today made $7 billion available to fund regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across the country, which will form a key power source in America's future clean energy economy. As part of the Department’s commitment to accelerating the national deployment of clean hydrogen fuel, DOE also released a draft of the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for public feedback. The H2Hubs will be a critical part of the Department’s efforts to helping communities across the country realize the benefits of clean hydrogen and reach President Biden’s goal of a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

“These H2Hubs are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundation for the hydrogen economy of tomorrow—one that will lift our economy, protect the planet, and improve our health,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With input from America’s brightest scientists, engineers, community organizers, and entrepreneurs, this national hydrogen strategy will help us accelerate the development and deployment of technologies to realize the full potential of clean hydrogen energy for generations to come.”

Hydrogen is a versatile fuel that can be produced from clean, diverse, and domestic energy resources, including wind, solar, and nuclear energy, or by using natural gas (while capturing resulting carbon to reduce emissions). Hydrogen’s flexibility makes it an important component of President Biden’s strategy to achieve a carbon-free grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

The H2Hubs will be one of the largest investments in DOE history. Funded by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) through the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, they are a critical component of the Administration’s commitment to invest in America’s workforce and support good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join unions, an integral element of building a clean energy economy and curbing climate change. Addressing environmental justice and engaging local communities, particularly historically disadvantaged and underserved communities that have disproportionately borne the brunt of past energy practices, are fundamental priorities of DOE’s approach to developing H2Hubs. Applicant teams are expected to develop community benefits plans to address quality jobs, environmental justice, diversity and equity, and maximize meaningful engagement with disadvantaged communities, labor unions, and other key stakeholders.

For this initial funding opportunity launch, DOE is aiming to select six to ten hubs for a combined total of up to $7 billion in federal funding. Concept papers are due by November 7, 2022, and full applications are due by April 7, 2023. Learn more about DOE’s funding opportunity.

The DOE National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap provides a comprehensive overview of the potential for hydrogen production, transport, storage, and use in the United States and outlines how clean hydrogen can contribute to national decarbonization and economic development goals. This comprehensive strategy, along with guiding principles and concrete actions, A final version of the strategy and roadmap will be released in the coming months and updated at least every three years.

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