PENNSYLVANIA — Energy Future PA cheered Friday’s announcement that Pennsylvania will benefit from two significant federal grants to develop regional hydrogen hubs, boosting the regional and state economies through job creation and economic development.
The Biden Administration announced that both the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) project in eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey; and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) project in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio will receive a portion of the $7 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop regional hydrogen hubs as part of the nation’s broader goal of decarbonizing the economy.
The MACH2 and ARCH2 projects are among a total of seven projects awarded funding across the nation under the federal Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program.
“This announcement has the potential to be a huge win for Pennsylvania workers, businesses and communities,” said Eugene DePasquale, co-chair of Energy Future PA and former Democratic Pa. Auditor General and state Representative. “This significant federal investment sends a message to both the private and public sectors that Pennsylvania is ready to lead in a decarbonized energy future.”
Energy Future PA is a nonpartisan coalition that supports a comprehensive suite of energy solutions to help meet the nation’s future energy needs, including low-to-zero-carbon fuel sources such as hydrogen.
Kate Harper, a Republican former Pa. State Representative who serves alongside DePasquale as Energy Future PA co-chair, noted that the development of hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania will help decarbonize existing industry and transportation sectors while also ensuring Pennsylvania workers benefit from the transition to a decarbonized economy.
“We need to think and invest beyond traditional energy sources if we want to keep the lights on and continue to power our economy well into the future,” Harper said. “The development of regional hydrogen hubs here in Pennsylvania will expand jobs for Pennsylvania workers and strengthen our communities.”
In addition to hydrogen, Energy Future PA also supports investments in carbon capture and storage and advanced nuclear technologies. The coalition includes Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, PDC Machines and the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. New partners are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
“Combined with renewable energy sources and the commonwealth’s rich natural energy endowments, these innovative technologies create an all of the above approach to our energy needs that puts people first,” DePasquale said.
“It’s about investing in a better way forward that embraces all of Pennsylvania’s assets,” Harper said. “That’s what will make Pennsylvania a true leader in the new energy economy.”
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