§16161a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs

Summary

Creates a program to build at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs. A regional clean hydrogen hub is a nearby network of clean hydrogen producers, possible users, and the pipes or other links that connect them. The Secretary (head of the Energy Department) must ask for proposals within 180 days after November 15, 2021, and pick at least four hubs within one year after the proposal deadline. Selected hubs must help meet the clean hydrogen production standard under section 16166(a) and must show how clean hydrogen is made, refined, moved, stored, and used. As much as possible, at least one hub must use fossil fuels, one must use renewable energy, and one must use nuclear power. The group should cover use in power plants, industry, heating for homes and businesses, and transportation. Hubs should be in different U.S. regions and use local abundant energy sources; at least two should be in regions with the most natural gas. Priority goes to projects likely to create training and long-term jobs. Grants may be made to speed commercialization. Up to $8,000,000,000 is authorized for fiscal years 2022–2026.