On June 6, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a Notice of Intent (NOI) to fund the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) new $8 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program (H2Hubs). Through the H2Hubs program, DOE aims to establish regional networks of hydrogen producers, consumers and necessary infrastructure in order to expedite the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Eligible applicants include state, local and tribal governments, technology developers, engineering and construction firms, industry and utilities, among others. Counties interested in the H2Hub program are encouraged to visit and participate in DOE’s H2 Matchmaker, which aims to connect hydrogen producers, consumers and other key stakeholders. DOE anticipates publishing the H2Hubs funding announcement in early fall 2022.   

Currently, DOE plans to award funds to six to ten H2Hub projects in different regions across the country. DOE expects the program to provide a minimum award range of $400 to $500 million and a maximum range of $1 to $1.25 billion with a 50 percent minimum non-federal cost share. H2Hub projects are expected to be carried out over the course of eight to twelve years. 

In selecting projects, DOE will look for:  

• Feedstock diversity, including fossil fuels, renewable energy and nuclear energy 

• End-use diversity, including in the electric power generation, industrial, residential and commercial heating and transportation sectors  

• Geographic diversity, with each H2Hub located in different regions of the country and at least two located in regions with significant natural gas resources 

• Employment, including creating opportunities for skilled training and long-term employment 

Further, the H2Hubs FOA will prioritize projects with a focus on energy and environmental justice, labor and community engagement, consent-based siting and workforce development.     

Local governments play a key role in responding to climate change and reducing national emissions levels through the deployment of clean energy among other initiatives. Many counties engage and partner with local utilities in energy planning, including utility-scale renewable energy projects, key regulatory issues, grid modernization and storage and energy assurance strategies. As such, counties welcome the release of this NOI and the continued implementation of the BIL by DOE.