If Not Now , When ?
While the ARCH2 team awaits the phase-two results , lay people may be wondering why now is an important time for the implementation of this hydrogen network .
“ The timelines associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are accelerating the timeframe for hydrogen hub formation ,” Anderson says . “ This comes at a critical time , as hydrogen will be needed to help meet the Biden administration ’ s climate goals for the U . S .”
These goals include creating a 100 % clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 .
While West Virginia works to once again position itself as a leader in energy , building on its skilled workforce and historic energy reputation , there are still barriers that will need to be addressed to make ARCH2 a reality . According to Hines , smart policy will be a cornerstone of the foundational transition to hydrogen and the roadmap to achieving the long-term goals of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub program .
To facilitate the deployment of CCS technologies , the state has applied to the EPA for primary enforcement authority , also known as primacy , over Class VI injection wells or dedicated storage . Currently , North Dakota and Wyoming are the only states in the country that have received primacy from the EPA . If granted , West Virginia could utilize wells to inject CO2 into deep geologic formations solely for the purpose of permanently storing carbon . This application is a key component to West Virginia ’ s stake in the hydrogen network , as it will greatly improve the efficiency with which these types of wells are administered .
Hybrid Performance Lab . Photo provided by the NETL .
Looking Ahead
With unique access to ample , low-cost natural gas feedstock , end-user demand , workforce , technology capability and CCS potential , West Virginia is well-positioned to continue its key role in the future of U . S . energy .
“ Whether through jobs in research and development , manufacturing , labor , etc ., West Virginia — and its many energy workers — are well-positioned to expand its workforce into new and emerging energy industries , like hydrogen ,” Anderson says . “ The state has support from labor organizations , environmental nonprofits , academic institutions and community stakeholders , all of which will be integral to project development and associated job retention and creation , particularly in disadvantaged and underserved communities . While West Virginia does not have an established hydrogen end-user base , the state has an opportunity to build a hydrogen hub infrastructure from the ground up rather than retrofitting existing infrastructure .”
While leadership remains optimistic about the ARCH2 becoming a reality , many also believe that even if West Virginia does not win this bid , energy leadership opportunities still exist for the Mountain State .
“ President Biden ’ s Inflation Reduction Act proposed a hydrogen production tax credit that may incentivize private development of a hydrogen hub without DOE funds courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ,” Anderson says .
As the world continues to demand cheaper , cleaner and more reliable energy , Appalachia is prepared to support this effort . As West Virginia continues to diversify and grow its energy portfolio , landing a hydrogen hub would enable the state to continue as a leader in supplying the country ’ s energy needs . This is demonstrated in the Community Benefits Plan , a critical part of the ARCH2 application that defines the impacts it would have on the communities it serves .
“ Having worked and lived in a disadvantaged community my entire life , I am excited to shed some light on these areas to provide better paying jobs and educational opportunities and improve quality of life ,” Hines says . “ Through our outreach efforts with ARCH2 , it has been exciting to speak with labor organizations and nonprofits and earn their support . It ’ s all part of a bigger picture , and it enables many different paintbrushes to help us paint this cleaner , safer energy future together .”
Looking ahead , it ’ s difficult to say what the state ’ s energy industry will look like even 10 years from now . While much progress has been made with clean energy and hydrogen over the last decade , it takes time for new energy technologies to penetrate existing markets . According to Hines , ARCH2 ’ s concept has outlined a preliminary timeline based on the state ’ s technical readiness level and the amount of time required for permitting activities . If and when the DOE funding and the necessary permits are awarded , the effort will begin to move quickly .
“ West Virginia produces more BTUs of energy through natural gas production than any other source ,” Wilkerson says . “ If the industries that utilize natural gas were able to sequester the associated carbon , it would ensure West Virginia ’ s future as an energy state that national and global companies wish to utilize for low carbon options . Just as the shale gas industry has come into full maturity , so shall the carbon capture industry over the next few years . Those companies willing to dedicate investments will be the ones to stand at the end of the decade .” •
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