Kayah Swanson, kayah.swanson@sierraclub.org
SEATTLE, WA — The Biden Administration and the DOE announced on Friday seven recipients of funding through the Hydrogen Hubs program, the $8 billion program created in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). One of the funded projects is the Pacific Northwest Regional Hydrogen Hub (PNWH2 Hub), which will receive $1 billion to establish eight hydrogen production sites across Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
This is just the first step in the process to move the PNWH2 Hub forward. More detailed information about the timeline and next steps for the project is expected in the coming days.
The IIJA mandates the administration fund at least four hydrogen hubs that produce different types of the fuel, at least one hub each for green (powered by renewable energy), blue (powered by methane gas), and pink (powered by nuclear) hydrogen. The fuel at these hubs must also be designated for assorted end uses, among other requirements.
The Sierra Club only supports the use of hydrogen made through electrolysis that is powered by renewable energy, known as “green” hydrogen, with targeted end uses in sectors that can not easily be electrified, like the steel or concrete sectors. Even green hydrogen has limited applications due to safety and cost restraints. Fossil fuel-based hydrogen, like “blue” hydrogen, is not a climate solution. Electrification is almost always a better investment to address climate change and offer consumers clean, affordable energy.
In response, Sierra Club Deputy Regional Field Director Robin Everett released the following statement:
“The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub receiving funding is good news because it’s a hub that has already committed to using one hundred percent clean energy. We’ve got a regional reputation for prioritizing the health of our communities and planet, and we hope this proposal will honor those intentions.
However, it’s essential that any projects developed as part of this hub link directly to a hard-to-electrify sector, and that we continue to prioritize cost-effective electrification above all else wherever we can. We remain committed to staying involved in the process, ensuring this hub sets an example for how to do hydrogen right, and engaging the communities it will impact the most every step of the way.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.