Clean hydrogen has emerged as a critical resource for decarbonizing carbon-intensive sectors of the economy as the U.S. moves toward achieving its goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% compared to 2005 levels by 2030, and to net zero by 2050. On October 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy and Biden-Harris Administration announced $7 billion to launch seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) across the country, catalyzing the growth of clean hydrogen over the coming decades. Hydrogen could be used to decarbonize heavy industries like steel, chemicals and cement, as well as other sectors like transportation and energy.

Hydrogen production must quickly scale beyond these initial hubs to reach the DOE’s targets of 10 million metric tons of clean hydrogen by 2030, 20 million metric tons by 2040, and 50 million metric tons by 2050. However, hydrogen should be used judiciously to address emissions that can’t be eliminated in other ways. While hydrogen can serve as a low-carbon energy alternative, greener, more efficient and less costly options are often available, and over relying on hydrogen might slow down other options and ultimately endanger net-zero goals.

Join us on November 1 for a webinar featuring government representatives, industrial leaders and hydrogen experts to discuss how hydrogen is a critical tool in our toolbox to abate industrial emissions, advance clean energy and address the climate crisis. Speakers will examine what the DOE Hydrogen Hub selections will mean for regional clean hydrogen production, consumption and community impacts; how to address safety and equity concerns; what the trajectory is for different hydrogen production pathways; and what investments governments and businesses need to make now and sustain to rapidly scale up clean hydrogen over the next decade if we are to avert climate disaster. 

Presenters:

  • Christina Walrond, Stakeholder Engagement Lead – Advanced Nuclear and Industrial Demonstrations, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, U.S. Department of Energy

  • Suzanne Baker, Stakeholder Engagement Lead – Hydrogen and Carbon Management, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, U.S. Department of Energy

  • Zach Byrum, Associate, Industrial Innovation & Carbon Removal, World Resources Institute

Speakers:

  • Christina Walrond, Stakeholder Engagement Lead – Advanced Nuclear and Industrial Demonstrations, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, U.S. Department of Energy

  • Suzanne Baker, Stakeholder Engagement Lead – Hydrogen and Carbon Management, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, U.S. Department of Energy
  • Dr. Anthony Ku, Principal, Xiron Global; Research Consultant, Princeton
  • Neil Banwart, Managing Director - Hydrogen Ecosystem, Energy Systems Network
  • Dan Lashof, Director, United States, World Resources Institute (Moderator)

 

Cover image by Ant Rozetsky/Unsplash