Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Encouraged to Submit a Full Application for the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Hub Funding

The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) team has been notified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) that it has been encouraged to submit a full application for the regional clean hydrogen hub Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) as designated in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

ARCH2 was formed through a partnership with the State of West Virginia, EQT Corporation, the nation’s largest natural gas producer, Battelle and GTI Energy, all with expertise executing clean energy programs for the federal government, and Allegheny Science & Technology (AST), a leading West Virginia energy technology consulting firm. Since the partnership was publicly announced, ARCH2 has added strategic partners that now include over 120 private sector industry leaders, utilities, universities, non-profits, transportation, and state agencies interested in building a hydrogen economy in northern Appalachia.

Concentrated in Appalachian counties as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) across West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, ARCH2 will leverage diverse regional resources to build a sustainable clean hydrogen hub that can scale and integrate into a national clean H2 network. The region is the ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub, due to its unique access to ample low-cost natural gas feedstock, end-user demand, workforce and technology capability, and carbon sequestration potential.

ARCH2 will be a key foundational component of America’s transition toward decarbonization. The ARCH2 team is composed of entities with operations across the Appalachian region spanning the hydrogen value chain as well as energy technology organizations, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, consultants, academic institutions, community organizations, and NGOs that will provide commercial, technical, and programmatic leadership for the development and buildout of the hub.

“There is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how natural gas can play a leading role in the world’s transition to lower carbon energy solutions,” said Toby Z. Rice, President and CEO of EQT Corporation. “The world is demanding cheaper, more reliable and cleaner energy. We believe the use of Appalachia’s extremely low emissions natural gas to create clean hydrogen can act as a strategic foundation for America’s transition toward decarbonization.”

“We are pleased the ARCH2 team has been encouraged by the DOE to submit our full application,” said Battelle President and CEO Lou Von Thaer. “The team comprises world-class organizations committed to working collaboratively to build a hydrogen economy in northern Appalachia that will advance our country’s long-term energy strategy.”

“Through a collaboration with experienced industry partners, we will leverage the existing infrastructure and abundant energy resources of the Appalachian region to enable clean, economy-scale hydrogen production,” said Dr. Paula Gant, President and CEO of GTI Energy. “DOE’s encouragement to move forward signals the potential for the ARCH2 hub to make major economic and environmental impacts in a historically underserved part of the country.”

“AST believes the ARCH2 proposal will drive significant economic growth and strategic value in Appalachia,” said Arria Hines, CEO. “AST has long supported the development of hydrogen as a fundamental building block of a clean energy future.” Hines noted further, “With the Appalachian region’s rich natural and human resources, I am confident that the ARCH2 team will secure a regional hydrogen hub and lead the effort to make Appalachia the nation’s ‘one-stop shop’ for hydrogen.”

“We are grateful to receive encouragement from DOE on ARCH2’s concept paper. This is an important milestone. I am excited to partner with our neighboring states to put forward a winning application,” said Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael. “West Virginia continues to have a growing and diverse energy portfolio with natural resources that are vital to a successful hydrogen hub. We are proud of our regional partners and industry in West Virginia and the Appalachian region that is leading the way to develop a supply for low-carbon hydrogen for the energy needs of the United States.”

Entities interested in participating in ARCH2 are encouraged to contact: [email protected]

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

About GTI Energy

GTI Energy is a leading research and training organization. Our trusted team works to scale impactful solutions that shape energy transitions by leveraging gases, liquids, infrastructure, and efficiency. We embrace systems thinking, open learning, and collaboration to develop, scale, and deploy the technologies needed for low-carbon, low-cost energy systems. www.gti.energy

About EQT

EQT Corporation is a leading independent natural gas production company with operations focused in the cores of the Marcellus and Utica Shales in the Appalachian Basin. We are dedicated to responsibly developing our world-class asset base and being the operator of choice for our stakeholders. By leveraging a culture that prioritizes operational efficiency, technology and sustainability, we seek to continuously improve the way we produce environmentally responsible, reliable and low-cost energy. We have a longstanding commitment to the safety of our employees, contractors, and communities, and to the reduction of our overall environmental footprint. Our values are evident in the way we operate and in how we interact each day – trust, teamwork, heart, and evolution are at the center of all we do. To learn more, visit eqt.com.

About AST

AST is an energy solutions firm harnessing world-class agile expertise in applied science, energy efficiency, data analytics, and decision support tools to help build a better world. Utilizing scientists, consultants, and subject matter experts, AST delivers innovative solutions that drive clean, affordable, and sustainable energy technologies for its clients.

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