US H2 Hubs Are Another Step Closer

The news that the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2 https://machh2.com/) has submitted its application to the US Department of Energy (DOE  https://www.energy.gov/) to develop a clean hydrogen production and distribution hub (H2Hub) demonstrates another step towards a pan-US hydrogen infrastructure.  This is encouraging news for companies such as FIBA Technologies whose hydrogen storage vessels will likely play a major part in the infrastructure.

Once of several multistate organisations bidding to create major hydrogen hubs across the US, MachH2 is an alliance of public and private entities working together to develop the entire regional hydrogen value chain. In the main this particular alliance involves the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin. In fact, the original MachH2 was expanded into a larger, single hub when it joined forces with the Midwest Hydrogen Corridor Consortium.

MachH2 members include major players in the energy sector including Air Liquide, Charbone, Plug Power, ExxonMobil, and a whole raft of public and private sector big hitters determined to create something special for the Midwest.

The stated aim of the hub is to produce tens of thousands of metric tons of hydrogen annually and to develop a clean hydrogen economy, focussing on decarbonization, safety, training, and workforce development.

In reality, as well as the environmental and economic impacts, this means a greater need for hydrogen storage vessels and hydrogen transportation solutions.

JB Pritzker, Illinois Governor, said, “This partnership – which exemplifies Midwestern innovation and leadership – is a crucial step towards establishing an effective clean hydrogen economy in the region while also creating stable, well-paying jobs, and laying the foundation for a cleaner Illinois for future generations.”

What does all this mean for the US hydrogen sector?  It means that those of us at the heart of the industry must continue to gear up to meet a growing demand as the reality of these hubs gets closer and closer.

For FIBA Technologies, this means continuing to invest and to upgrade its sites right across the US, from California to Massachusetts, where the focus is on leading edge manufacturing capabilities, production expertise and design excellence.

In September 2022 the DOE opened applications for its $7bn program with the stated aim of creating several regional hydrogen hubs across the US to boost and facilitate a hydrogen infrastructure.

As ever, storage and transportation will be central to the success of any hydrogen hub, with FIBA’s hydrogen storage vessels playing a central role.