§16161a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs

Summary

The Secretary must start a program to help build at least 4 regional clean hydrogen hubs. A regional clean hydrogen hub is a local network of clean hydrogen producers, possible users, and the pipes, storage, and other connections between them. The Secretary must ask for project proposals within 180 days after November 15, 2021, and must pick at least 4 hubs within one year after the proposal deadline. The Secretary may give grants to the selected hubs to speed up making, moving, storing, and using clean hydrogen. When choosing hubs, the Secretary must, as much as possible, pick projects with different fuel sources, different uses, and different locations. At least one hub should make hydrogen from fossil fuels, one from renewable energy, and one from nuclear energy. At least one hub should show hydrogen used for electric power, one for industry, one for home and business heating, and one for transportation. Each hub should be in a different U.S. region and use energy common to that region. As much as possible, at least 2 hubs should be in the areas with the most natural gas. Priority goes to hubs that create training and long-term jobs for many local residents. The Secretary may also consider other factors. Congress authorized $8,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to carry out this work.