Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Additional Clean Hydrogen Programs (Section 40314): Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

The U.S. Department of Energy is releasing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to solicit Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) in accordance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This $8 billion program will support the development of H2Hubs that demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen, in support of the Biden Administration’s goal to achieve a carbon-free electric grid by 2035 and a net zero emissions economy by 2050.The H2Hubs will form the foundation of a national clean hydrogen network that substantially reduces the nation’s environmental impact across several sectors of the economy. Matching the scale up of clean hydrogen production to a growing regional demand is a key pathway to achieving large-scale, commercially viable hydrogen ecosystems. H2Hubs will enable this pathway by demonstrating low-carbon intensity and economically viable hydrogen-based energy ecosystems that can replace existing carbon-intensive processes. This will accelerate the deployment of these technologies, attract greater investments from the private sector, and promote substantial U.S. manufacturing of all types of hydrogen related technologies.Section 40314 of the IIJA (Public Law 117-58) (enacted on November 15, 2021) amended the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to add a new section 813 which establishes the program for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs. Under this statutory authority, the Secretary of Energy shall select at least 4 regional clean hydrogen hubs using several criteria articulated in the statute. These selection criteria include: (1) feedstock diversity; (2) end-use diversity; (3) geographic diversity; (4) hubs in natural gas-producing regions; (5) employment; and (6) any additional criteria that are necessary or appropriate in the judgement of the Secretary. Further details about these statutory selection criteria are in section 813 of EPACT 2005 (codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16161a). H2Hubs will include numerous partners that will bring together diverse technologies producing and utilizing large amounts of hydrogen in different ways. These clean hydrogen hubs will demonstrate balanced hydrogen supply and demand, connective infrastructure, and a plan to financial viability after the DOE funding has ended. The H2Hubs will also include substantial engagement of Tribes as well as local and regional stakeholders to ensure that they generate local, regional, and national benefits.
Categories: Energy, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).