The Biden administration has committed $7 billion to fund hydrogen power initiatives around the country, and the Golden State’s new hydrogen hub is the first state in the country to receive funding.
Federal Funding for California
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matt Gush
California will be the first state in the US to reap the benefits of a federal fund looking to amplify the production, infrastructure, and usage of hydrogen power.
“Clean, Renewable Hydrogen Production”
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sheila Fitzgerald
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the state’s hydrogen hub on Wednesday, which will kickstart the Golden State’s foray into building “clean, renewable hydrogen production sites” throughout the state.
A Historic Agreement
Image Credit: Shutterstock / chaylek
The hydrogen hub is a historic $12.6 billion agreement signed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems.
Reducing Pollution and Fossil Fuel Use
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Audio und werbung
By harnessing hydrogen power, California and other states across the country hope to drastically reduce pollution and their reliance on fossil fuels. The announcement marks the beginning of its transition to clean energy.
Initial $30 Million
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pressmaster
While $11.4 billion of the agreement comes from public and private matching funds, $1.2 billion will be provided by the federal government. $30 million will be provided for the initial phase of the project, with the remainder issued in the coming years.
$7 Billing Federal Program
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ron Adar
The Biden administration, which has pushed for climate change initiatives throughout its term in office, launched a $7 billion program last October that aims to fund seven hydrogen hubs across the country.
16 States Involved
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen
These hubs involve 16 states that plan to generate more than $40 billion in private investment to fund them alongside the federal government. California’s hub is the first to open and receive federal funding.
Leading the Way
Image Credit: Shutterstock / FOTOGRIN
The Golden State has made an aggressive push into clean, renewable energy in recent years, and is looking to become a world leader in switching from coal and oil to hydrogen power.
2 Million Tons of Carbon Less Per Year
Image Credit: Shutterstock / N.Minton
The California government expects to curtail 2 million metric tons of carbon each year once the hydrogen hub is completed.
Record-Breaking Developments
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Scharfsinn
It is also the first state, and first place in the world to launch a hydrogen-powered ferry, which began operating in San Francisco Bay this week, and a hydrogen-powered electric flight service.
Doing Away With Air Pollution
Image Credit: Shutterstock / IM_photo
“California is revolutionizing how a major world economy can clean up its biggest industries,” Newsom declared. “We’re going to use clean, renewable hydrogen to power our ports and public transportation – getting people and goods where they need to go, just without the local air pollution.”
“World-Leading Initiative”
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sheila Fitzgerald
“Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, California is excited to pioneer this world-leading initiative that’ll show other states and countries what’s possible when you prioritize clean energy and public health,” he concluded.
Job Creation is Key
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
However, the environmental benefits aren’t the only focus of the California hydrogen hub, or of the 6 other hubs being created – job creation is also key.
Generating 220,000 Jobs
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture
In California alone, this hydrogen hub is expected to generate 220,000 new jobs, 90,000 of which will be permanent roles and the other 130,000 temporary construction positions.
Impacting Disadvantaged Communities
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
The agreement will also prioritize disadvantaged communities across the state, with 40% of the benefits of the hydrogen program expected to impact disadvantaged groups through job creation, training programs, and community investment.
$2.95 Billion in Economic Value Per Year
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen
Overall, the state has estimated $2.95 billion in economic value generated by the program each year, largely due to improved health outcomes and savings on healthcare costs.
Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association
Image Credit: Shutterstock / wellphoto
Frank Wolak, president and CEO of the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, has also praised the agreement and the overarching plans for all of the hydrogen hubs, which will cater to the specific needs of each state, including Washington, Minnesota, Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Illinois.
“They’re All Unique”
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Scharfsinn
“It’s the beginning of really showing what the hubs are going to be doing,” he said following the announcement. “They’re all unique. In the case of California, they’re undertaking projects for using hydrogen for the decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sectors in transportation, among other things. Transportation is a big portion of what they’re going to tackle.”
Some Criticisms Arise
Image Credit: Shutterstock / wellphoto
While the hubs have been widely praised across the board, they are not immune to criticism. Clean hydrogen systems are astronomically expensive to develop, and it could take nearly a decade before prices can compete with the cost of fossil fuel production.
How Clean is It?
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
Some scientists and environmentalists have also argued that hydrogen power is not as clean as proponents claim it to be, a debate that will no doubt become more prevalent as hydrogen usage increases.
Oil Dumping Scandal Rocks Ships Heading to New Orleans
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aerial-motion
Two shipping companies have been fined after knowingly hiding a large oil spill in the Atlantic Ocean. Oil Dumping Scandal Rocks Ships Heading to New Orleans
20 Eye-Opening Realities Facing Retiring Baby Boomers
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jack Frog
As Baby Boomers approach retirement, the promise of leisure and security often seems unattainable. This generation faces unique challenges that could redefine retirement. Here’s a stark look at the realities shaping their outlook. 20 Eye-Opening Realities Facing Retiring Baby Boomers
Retail Apocalypse: Massive Closures Sweep Across U.S. Brands
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tada Images
Stores across the U.S. are closing at unprecedented levels, according to new research from advisory firm Coresight Research. Read on for more information about the impact this could have on you and your communities. Retail Apocalypse: Massive Closures Sweep Across U.S. Brands
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Scharfsinn.
