US sanctions $8bn hydrogen programme

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it will fund an $8 billion (£6.4bn) clean hydrogen venture.

Hydrogen hubs will be built throughout the States, as part of the President’s target of achieving an entirely clean electric gird by 2035 and net zero by 2050.

Industry accounts for a third of US carbon emissions and has therefore been heavily targeted as a sector that needs to be made cleaner.

The DOE hopes that heavy-duty transport and steel manufacturing can be decarbonised with the implementation of new hydrogen hubs and technologies.

The US currently produced 10 million tonnes of hydrogen each year, however, most of this derives from natural gas and is not green hydrogen – made using electrolysis. Generating hydrogen from renewable energy is now a chief focus for the country to curb its carbon footprint.

Last year, the DOE also launched the Hydrogen Shot, with an aim of reducing the price of clean hydrogen to $1 (80p) per kg within the decade.

US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, said: “Hydrogen energy has the power to slash emissions from multiple carbon-intensive sectors and open a world of economic opportunity to clean energy businesses and workers across the country.

“These hydrogen hubs will make significant progress towards President Biden’s vision for a resilient grid that is powered by clean energy and built by American workers.”

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