Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a leader in the clean energy revolution with its ambitious hydrogen energy plans. The state has secured two regional clean hydrogen hub projects, making it the only state in the country to achieve this feat. These projects are part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, which aims to create a network of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation infrastructure across the United States.
The Hydrogen Hubs
The two hydrogen hubs are the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) in Philadelphia and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) on the Pennsylvania/West Virginia border. The federal government is investing over $2 billion in these projects, with $750 million allocated to the MACH2 hub and $750 million to the ARCH2 hub. These investments are expected to create more than 41,000 good-paying jobs, with a particular focus on union jobs. The hubs will produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel and feedstock for critical industries that are currently dependent on fossil fuels.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Governor Josh Shapiro has emphasized the potential of these hydrogen hubs to position Pennsylvania as a leader in the clean energy future. The projects are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and help combat climate change. The Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring that the hydrogen hubs are developed in an environmentally responsible manner and has pledged to work closely with organized labor, industry partners, and neighboring states to ensure that the projects benefit all stakeholders. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been involved in the planning process, with a particular focus on environmental justice and community benefits.
Future Prospects
The hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania are part of a broader effort by the Biden Administration to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. The DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program is allocating $7 billion to fund up to ten hydrogen hubs across the country. Pennsylvania’s success in securing two of these hubs highlights the state’s potential to become a major player in the clean energy sector. With the right approach, Pennsylvania can set a model for other states to follow in the pursuit of sustainable and equitable clean energy solutions.
Sources:
- Governor Josh Shapiro: Pennsylvania the Only State to Secure Two Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Projects. https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-josh-shapiro-pennsylvania-the-only-state-to-secure-two-regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-projects/.
- Hydrogen hubs are coming to Pennsylvania • Spotlight PA. https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/10/pennsylvania-hydrogen-hub-josh-shapiro-carbon-energy-jobs-infrastructure/.
- Pennsylvania Legacies #213: Engaging Communities on Hydrogen. https://pecpa.org/news/pennsylvania-legacies-213-engaging-communities-on-hydrogen/.
- What you need to know about PA’s bid for hydrogen hubs. https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/07/pennsylvania-hydrogen-hubs-climate-change-legislature-tax-credit-explainer/.
