The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) has secured a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) for up to $925 million in federal funding. This investment will drive the creation of a clean hydrogen hub in Appalachia, attracting billions in private investment and generating thousands of high-paying jobs in the region’s emerging hydrogen economy. ARCH2 and OCED will work together to build a clean, economically viable, and socially equitable hydrogen ecosystem, revitalizing local communities affected by the energy transition.
H2Hub Program Background
Selected in October 2023 as one of seven hubs for the DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program (H2Hubs), ARCH2 will receive $30 million for Phase 1, which begins in July 2024 and will last up to 36 months. This initiative aims to establish regional clusters of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and infrastructure, forming the backbone of a national clean hydrogen network. Subsequent federal funding will be contingent on meeting milestones in future phases.
Regional Benefits
ARCH2 promises significant advantages for the Appalachian region, including:
- Environmental: Producing clean hydrogen to help decarbonize challenging sectors like manufacturing and transportation.
- Economic: Creating thousands of jobs and preparing local workers for future energy roles.
- Social: Ensuring that 40% of program benefits support disadvantaged communities facing underinvestment and pollution.
Community Engagement
ARCH2 will provide more details about the project, community benefits, and Phase 1 engagement plans in an upcoming webinar. For more information, visit ARCH2’s Events page.
Further Information
Learn more about ARCH2 through the following resources:
- ARCH2 Website
- ARCH2 Hub Fact Sheet
- ARCH2 Awardee Fact Sheet
- ARCH2 Community Benefits Commitments Summary
About ARCH2
The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) is a collaborative effort involving the DOE, private industry, state and local governments, academic and technology institutions, non-profits, and community groups. Covering West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, ARCH2 aims to harness the region’s resources for clean hydrogen production, storage, and applications. Key partners include Air Liquide, CNX Resources Corp., Enbridge Gas Ohio, and others, with management led by Battelle, Allegheny Science and Technology (AST), GTI Energy, and TRC Companies, supported by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).
