Washington could be 1 of 7 new U.S. hydrogen manufacturing hubs, Biden says - KATU
Washington could be 1 of 7 new U.S. hydrogen manufacturing hubs, Biden says | KOMO
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced plans to build seven regional sites to manufacture hydrogen, a big step to decarbonize the U.S.
The fuel is reportedly cleaner than fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal.
"I'm here to announce one of the largest advanced manufacturing investments in the history of this nation. $7 billion dollars in federal investments, it's going to attract $40 billion dollars in private investment in clean hydrogen power," said President Biden during a trip to Pennsylvania.
The seven hubs will be in the Mid-Atlantic, Appalachia, California, Houston, the Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest.
That local hub could be in Washington, Oregon, or Montana. Administration officials say they are still determining exact locations.
Some environmental groups criticized the plan, saying it will lead to continued use of fossil fuels and extend the life of that industry.
"Those hubs are about people coming together across state lines, across industries, across political parties to build a stronger and more sustainable economy and to rebuild our communities," said President Biden.
Companies like Exxon and Amazon will participate.
An administration official said the hubs that use methane gas to generate hydrogen will be outfitted with carbon capture technology to reduce their carbon dioxide pollution.
The goal is to increase clean hydrogen production in the U.S. by 500% by 2050.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: hydrogen
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.