America is nearing the completion of its renewable energy infrastructure. However, one critical component remains: hydrogen. As the cornerstone of the new ecological transition, hydrogen is set to revolutionize the energy landscape. The United States has approved the largest hydrogen deployment in history. It encompasses 14 GW of capacity across more than 20 states, with billions of dollars invested.
DOE’s Hydrogen Shot Initiative Drives Cost Reduction
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hydrogen Shot initiative is central to this massive undertaking. It aims to dramatically reduce the cost of clean hydrogen:
- Current goal: $2 per kilogram by 2026
- Long-term target: $1 per kilogram by 2031
The DOE projects that clean hydrogen costs will be 80% cheaper within a decade. The Federal Energy and Conservation Management (FECM) division has provided over $122 million for 72 hydrogen-related programs since January. In the most recent funding round, $33.9 million was allocated to 19 industry and university-based proposals.
Nationwide Collaboration Drives Hydrogen Research and Development
The America Hydrogen Stream project advances through various initiatives and partnerships. Research activities cover all aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and use. Notable developments include:
- Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology’s design of a new Ir nanostructure catalyst for high-performance PEM water electrolysis
- DNV’s initiation of hydrogen blending studies in North America
States and Companies Invest in Hydrogen Infrastructure
Several states are actively involved in developing hydrogen infrastructure:
- West Virginia: Fidelis New Energy considers The Mountaineer GigaSystem for lifecycle carbon-neutral hydrogen production
- Florida: Florida Power & Light plans a 20 MW green hydrogen plant
- California and New Jersey: Various hydrogen blending projects for natural gas pipelines are in progress
Major companies are also investing in hydrogen projects nationwide:
- Wärtsilä is working on a liquefied synthetic methane plant in Finland. It can serve as a benchmark for U.S. projects.
- Utilities like Dominion Energy and Duke Energy are exploring hydrogen blending and power generation opportunities.
More States Join the Hydrogen Stream
The momentum continues to build as more states become involved in hydrogen projects:
- California: SoCalGas and SDG&E propose 20% blended hydrogen in natural gas pipelines
- New York: NRG plans to repower the Astoria peaker power plant to operate on electricity and hydrogen by 2040
- Ohio: New Fortress Energy is constructing a 485MW plant. It will initially use a 15-20% hydrogen and natural gas mixture.
- North Carolina: Dominion Energy seeks permission for a pilot program adding 5% hydrogen to natural gas
The America Hydrogen Stream project has the potential to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape. It can pave the way for sustainable mobility through an extensive network of refueling stations. As experts prioritize replacing gas and fossil fuels, this could mark the beginning of a shift. The shift would be from electric vehicles (EVs) to fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The United States is following in the footsteps of Europe and other Global North regions. It is leading the charge towards a cleaner, hydrogen-powered future.
Read more: DOE Invests $54 Million in CO2 Capture Technologies
