US DOE Announces $62 Million Investment in Hydrogen Innovation

In alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced nearly $62 million in funding for 20 projects across 15 states aimed at advancing next-generation clean hydrogen technologies. These projects will focus on critical aspects such as hydrogen fueling infrastructure, the development of hydrogen-powered equipment for port operations, and enhancing processes for the efficient and equitable deployment of hydrogen technologies. This initiative represents a significant step toward accelerating the research, development, and demonstration of clean hydrogen solutions.

Among the funded projects are pioneering efforts to enhance community engagement, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy revolution are accessible to all Americans. Building a robust and equitable domestic clean hydrogen economy is a cornerstone of President Biden and Vice President Harris' strategy to boost America's economic competitiveness, create high-quality, good-paying jobs, and significantly reduce harmful emissions that threaten public health and the environment. This investment underscores the Administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth while addressing the urgent need to combat climate change

The Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) will oversee the management of 20 selected projects, which are categorized into five key topic areas. The first area, "Components for Hydrogen Fueling of Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MD/HD) Vehicles," will involve four projects with $8.5 million in funding. These projects aim to develop advanced components to support the fueling of MD/HD hydrogen-powered vehicles using gaseous and liquid hydrogen. The second area, "Standardized Hydrogen Refueling Station of the Future," allocates $40 million to four projects focused on creating and demonstrating low-cost, standardized, and scalable hydrogen fueling stations capable of meeting the demands of commercial-scale MD/HD truck fueling.

The remaining three areas cover various aspects of hydrogen technology deployment and community engagement. The "Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Port Equipment" area, funded with $2.5 million, will see the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered "top loader" and a mobile refueler at the Port of Oakland. In the "Enabling Permitting and Safety for Hydrogen Deployment" category, seven projects will receive $7 million to identify challenges in siting, permitting, and installation across the hydrogen value chain and propose solutions. Finally, the "Equitable Hydrogen Technology Community Engagement" area will support four projects with $4 million to enhance community engagement, particularly with disadvantaged communities, ensuring that these populations are informed and involved in the hydrogen transition. These efforts will contribute to the development of best practices and lessons learned for community benefit plans.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized that under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, the U.S. is at the forefront of developing and deploying clean hydrogen technology, which is essential for cutting emissions in the most energy-intensive sectors. She noted that the recent investments, made possible by the Investing in America agenda, not only advance clean hydrogen initiatives but also create new economic opportunities nationwide, reinforcing America's position as a global leader in clean energy for future generations.