News
A Drop in Emissions, and a Jobs Bonanza? Critics Question Benefits of a Proposed Hydrogen Hub for the Appalachian Region
The potential gains for Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio have not been clearly spelled out, and the science is being challenged, as the Department of Energy prepares to announce the builders of six to 10 federally funded hubs across the country.
By Jon Hurdle
PITTSBURGH—As the federal government nears a decision on which of the nation’s proposed “hydrogen hubs” will share up to $8 billion in startup money, critics of the idea in the Appalachian region are asserting that the program would do little to curb greenhouse gas emissions or create jobs, while increasing electricity prices for consumers and businesses.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: hydrogen
State of Play
Hydrogen, long seen as a theoretical if not practical alternative to petroleum-based transportation fuels, is once again having a day in the sun as industries promote “green hydrogen,” produced using renewable resources.