Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub program . On February 15 , 2022 , Justice , Manchin , Senator Shelley Moore Capito and then-Representative David McKinley announced the launch of the West Virginia Hydrogen Hub Coalition to collaborate on and support the selection of a strong West Virginia candidate to develop a hydrogen hub as part of the emerging national network .
There are more than 150 public and private regional entities participating , and together , they form the team dedicated to the creation of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub ( ARCH2 ). Initial concept papers for the hubs were due to the DOE in November 2022 . Of the 79 hub concept papers received , 33 hubs were encouraged to submit full proposals .
Among other factors , the DOE is seeking applications that demonstrate the economic production of clean hydrogen from fossil fuels . According to Arria Hines , CEO of Allegheny Science & Technology , West Virginia brings four exciting advantages to the hydrogen hub race : regional proximity to the vast methane resources in the Appalachian Basin / Marcellus Shale formations and the major markets in the U . S . Northeast ; existing midstream / industrial infrastructure ; world-class energy research institutions ; and underlying geology that has favorable potential to support CCS development — all of which position the West Virginia / ARCH2 partnership as a strong candidate for the winning hydrogen hub proposal .
The ARCH2 team submitted its full application for the second round of review in April 2023 , and the final award decisions for the next phase are to be announced later this year .
According to Hines , unlike an ethane cracker or oil refinery , the ARCH2 proposal is best conceptualized as being a collection of nodes or related industrial facilities that produce hydrogen , provide CCS or create opportunities for both . The ARCH2 proposal has five nodes with locations in West Virginia , Ohio , Kentucky and Pennsylvania . She says the hydrogen projects within the ARCH2 regional hydrogen hub will bring numerous benefits to West Virginia and the entire Appalachian region . The leaders involved are confident their team and concept are a winning combination of brilliant people , cutting-edge technology and proximity to resources and markets and that the Mountain State will be a vital part of the country ’ s hydrogen network .
ARCH2 Team . Photo by Allegheny Science & Technology .
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