California Construction News staff writer
Construction was launched last week on California’s hydrogen hub, the first in the nation.
The launch follows a $12.6 billion agreement finalized in July, which includes up to $1.2 billion in federal funding, and an earlier announcement when California was selected as a national hub. The Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) marked the milestone as the first of the seven hydrogen hubs across the country to sign their agreement with the Department of Energy.
The California Hydrogen Hub spans across the state of California and will leverage the state’s leadership in clean energy technology to produce hydrogen exclusively from renewable energy and biomass.
“Clean hydrogen is the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of energy technologies and a solution to decarbonizing the industries we cannot live without,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “President Biden and Vice President Harris have developed a modern, industrial strategy to build a clean hydrogen industry here at home—with California and the ARCHES Hydrogen Hub leading the way.”
At an announcement event, participants experienced rides on the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger ferry, as well as on AC Transit and SamTrans hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. The tour concluded at the True Zero Hydrogen Fuel Station, capable of supporting 200 semi-trucks, highlighting the infrastructure’s potential to support a wide range of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Federal funding has been dedicated for three hydrogen projects across the state that are expected to reduce up to two million metric tons of carbon emissions annually, creating approximately 220,000 new jobs, and generating an estimated $2.95 billion per year in economic benefits through improved health and cost savings.
“This initiative represents a bold step forward in our commitment to clean energy and environmental justice. By pioneering this technology, California is not only leading the nation but also setting a global standard for sustainable energy solutions,” Newsom said.
