The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announced a $6 billion allocation for a second round of tax credits under the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic agenda. This funding supports projects that expand clean energy manufacturing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in industrial facilities. Managed by the DOE's Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains, the initiative is part of the expanded Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit program, which has already allocated $4 billion to over 100 projects across 35 states. Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk highlighted that this initiative aims to revitalize manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and modernize the industrial sector, thereby creating quality jobs and enhancing energy security. Read more here: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2301?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity which provides up to $932 million in funding for eligible clean heavy-duty vehicles. This is part of the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grants Program, soliciting applications to fund the replacement of current non-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. The application process is now open with a deadline of July 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM (ET), and the EPA plans to notify selected applicants by November 2024, with grant awards by February 2025. This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainability in heavy transportation. Read more here: https://www.epa.gov/clean-heavy-duty-vehicles-program/clean-heavy-duty-vehicles-grant-program#NOFO

Exciting news from one of our founding members, Ballard Power Systems! Ballard has announced multiple purchase orders totaling 70 FCmove®-HD hydrogen fuel cell engines from Wrightbus, a leading UK-based bus manufacturer. These engines will power both single and double-decker buses in the UK and Germany, with deliveries expected in 2024 and buses entering service in 2025. “We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with Wrightbus and support their deployment of an increasing volume of hydrogen-powered transit buses across the UK and Europe,” said Oben Uluc, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, EMEA. “We are seeing broader market acceptance of fuel cell buses by European transit operators seeking to decarbonize their operations with a technology approach that enables long range, fast refueling, and scalable refueling infrastructure.” Read more here: https://www.ballard.com/about-ballard/newsroom/news-releases/2024/04/16/ballard-announces-orders-for-70-hydrogen-fuel-cell-engines-for-delivery-to-wrightbus-in-2024

Xcel Energy's plans for a hydrogen production hub in the Midwest are at risk due to the restrictive preliminary rules set by the 45V hydrogen production tax credit. Despite being part of the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, which could receive up to $925 million in federal funding, the project's progress is hindered by tax credit limitations on using nuclear and wind power to create clean hydrogen. These constraints may force a reevaluation or scaling down of the initiative, impacting the broader push toward decarbonization in the energy sector.  Read more here: https://www.startribune.com/xcel-university-north-dakota-hydrogen-heartland-hub-federal-tax-credit-environmental/600358098/

Germany's coalition has finalized the financial framework for its ambitious hydrogen network, aiming for completion by 2037. This extensive network, crucial for Germany's energy transition, particularly post its dependency on Russian gas, will span over 9,700 km (approximately 6,027 miles) and is expected to cost about €20 billion (approximately $21.6 billion USD). The plan includes utilizing 60% of existing gas pipelines and will be funded through user fees and private investments, with a government-backed safety net to encourage investment in this nascent technology. This strategic move represents a significant step towards integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid and reducing carbon emissions. Read more here: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/article-german-coalition-agrees-on-financing-details-of-hydrogen-network/

Dive into the world of hydrogen energy with scientists Debolina Dasgupta and Nancy Kariuki from Argonne National Laboratory in this enlightening Science 101 video. Whether you're well-versed in hydrogen technology or looking to deepen your understanding, this video offers valuable insights into hydrogen's pivotal role in our sustainable future. From innovative production methods using renewable resources to its application in fuel cells for various modes of transportation and energy storage, the video provides a comprehensive overview. Enhance your hydrogen knowledge and envision a cleaner, more efficient world powered by this versatile element.  Read more here: https://scitechdaily.com/science-simplified-what-is-hydrogen-energy/ Watch the video from Argonne National Laboratory below: https://youtu.be/WoNkrVmJVr0?si=mOzUF1ReJBPXAxTF

The Treasury Department and IRS have released guidance detailing the process for taxpayers to request an emissions value from the DOE. This step is essential for petitioning the Secretary of the Treasury for a provisional emissions rate (PER) as part of the proposed 45V regulations issued on December 26, 2023. The guidance provides additional details on the procedures for taxpayers to follow in petitioning for a PER and specifically addresses how to request an emissions value from the DOE. Feedback is currently being solicited on this emissions value request process to refine and ensure its effectiveness. The comment period closes May 13th. Learn more here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/11/2024-07644/section-45v-credit-for-production-of-clean-hydrogen-section-48a15-election-to-treat-clean-hydrogen

Japan is taking a thoughtful step toward sustainable aviation by developing a next-generation passenger jet that focuses on hydrogen fuel technology. This initiative, a collaborative effort between public and private sectors, aims to integrate environmentally friendly propulsion systems into aircraft design. With a planned investment of five trillion yen ($33 billion) over the next decade, Japan seeks to contribute to the aviation industry's decarbonization, aligning with its 2050 net-zero commitment. The project emphasizes hydrogen fuel's potential as a clean energy source, positioning Japan to play a significant role in advancing sustainable aviation technologies. Read more here: https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/japan-invests-33-billion-for-its-new-in-house-hydrogen-passenger-jet

The Uttar Pradesh government has adopted a green hydrogen policy to shift from traditional to sustainable hydrogen production methods, targeting an annual production of one million metric tonnes by 2028. Energy Minister A.K. Sharma highlighted the government's commitment to fostering a green economy through this policy. To attract green hydrogen industries, the government is offering incentives and subsidies totaling INR 5,045 crore (approximately $615 million), including capital expenditure subsidies, rebates on electricity charges, and exemptions on transmission and electricity duties. Additionally, the government has greenlit the construction of two 800 MW power units in Anpara, Sonbhadra district, in partnership with NTPC Limited, at an estimated cost of INR 8,624 crore (approximately $1.05 billion), leveraging a mix of equity and loan financing and proximity to coal supplies for efficient power generation. Read more here: https://www.energetica-india.net/news/uttar-pradesh-government-approves-green-hydrogen-policy

During the IRA 45V hearing on the clean hydrogen production tax credit, stakeholders emphasized the need for the IRS to adopt flexible metrics to accurately measure greenhouse gas emissions. Roxana Bekemohammadi said, "We unfortunately cannot rely on batteries to store energy to fill in these gaps [caused by solar and wind facilities] due to the lack of technological advancements for duration, scale, power and supply of batteries." Others highlighted that various energy sources like coal, nuclear, and renewables are already producing low-emission hydrogen. However, the current proposed rules could restrict these operations from claiming the tax credit.  Critics of the proposed rules argue that they are overly stringent and could hinder the hydrogen economy's growth, especially in regions like Appalachia, where the rules do not consider the local abundance of methane from coal mines. Concerns were also raised about the treatment of renewable natural gas in the proposed rules, with critics arguing that it demonstrates a misunderstanding of the resource's renewable nature. This article also features quotes from Matthew Small, Director of Project Development and Policy for StormFisher Hydrogen Ltd., Shawn Bennett of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, and Patrick Serfass, Executive Director at the American Biogas Council. Read more here: https://www.law360.com/tax-authority/federal/articles/1817459/producers-push-irs-for-flexible-clean-hydrogen-credit-regs

Natural hydrogen, or "gold hydrogen," is not a new concept; its existence was noted by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1888 but only recently gained traction as a sustainable energy source. As an underground resource found in its pure form, natural hydrogen presents an affordable and inexhaustible option for clean energy, distinct from costly electrolytic hydrogen. With substantial investments from the U.S. government and various startups, this age-old resource could revolutionize renewable energy, utilizing existing infrastructure to pave the way for a greener future. Read more here: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/natural-hydrogen-may-seem-new-in-town-5523120/

CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co has successfully completed a full-load trial run of the world's first hydrogen-powered urban train in China, reaching speeds of 160 km/h (99.4 mph) on its test line. This test confirmed the train's efficient performance, consuming just 5 kWh per kilometer and boasting a range of over 1,000 km (621.4 miles). The train, comprising four cars, utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell system and a hybrid power supply, integrating multiple energy storage units and a proprietary hydrogen-electric hybrid energy management system. Offering benefits like environmental sustainability, ease of operation, and cost-effectiveness, this hydrogen-powered train is a promising solution for urban and inter-city transportation. Read more here: https://www.nationthailand.com/world/china/40036648

One of our founding members, Ballard Power Systems, is set to invest approximately $160 million by 2027 to establish a new manufacturing facility, Rockwall Giga 1, in Rockwall Technology Park, spanning 22 acres. This initiative is supported by two grants totaling $40 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, with Ballard seeking additional funds from U.S. government programs. The facility aims for an annual production capacity of 3 gigawatts, including 8 million membrane electrode assemblies, bipolar plates, 20,000 fuel cell stacks, and engines. Future expansion plans exist for the Rockwall site to enhance production. The investment decision is expected later this year, with Ballard emphasizing the role of this facility in advancing U.S. hydrogen and fuel cell scalability, contributing to environmental sustainability, energy security, and domestic manufacturing.  Read more here: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/ballard-power-system-announces-plans-for-new-gigafactory-rockwall/287-4737a6ea-d44a-4d26-9f4d-8619a666c1a3

UCLA is collaborating with Singapore's national water agency and other partners to construct the world's largest ocean-based CO2 removal plant. This plant aims to remove 3,650 metric tons of CO2 annually while producing 231,000 lb of carbon-negative hydrogen. Utilizing electrolysis, the process separates hydrogen and oxygen from seawater, capturing CO2 in solid materials. The project, Equatic-1, will be developed in two phases, with the goal of significant CO2 removal and hydrogen production, aligning with efforts to reduce global carbon emissions and foster clean energy use. The system will also use selective anodes from the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Check out statements from Dante Simonetti, Equatice co-founder and ICM’s associate director, Gaurav Sant, Professor of Sustainability at UCLA Samueli and ICM director, and Chee Meng Pang, PUB chief engineering and technology officer below. Read more here: https://newatlas.com/energy/equatic-ocean-based-co2-removal-plant-singapore/

Exxon Mobil Corp. may abandon a major low-carbon hydrogen project in Houston if the Biden administration does not extend tax incentives to natural gas-derived "blue" hydrogen facilities. CEO Darren Woods emphasized the importance of technology neutrality in addressing emissions reduction, advocating for a level playing field between "green" and "blue" hydrogen in receiving government support. Woods appreciates the Inflation Reduction Act's broader approach to climate solutions but stresses the need for a comprehensive strategy and transparent carbon accounting to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.  Read more here: https://www.worldoil.com/news/2024/3/20/exxonmobil-ceo-won-t-proceed-with-hydrogen-project-without-biden-s-ira-tax-credits/

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is collaborating with HD Korean Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, and Australia's Woodside Energy on a project to design and construct the world's first large-scale dedicated hydrogen carrier. This initiative aims to facilitate the bulk marine transportation of liquid hydrogen, which is more space-efficient than its gaseous form, requiring temperatures of -253 degrees C to maintain its liquid state. Initiated in 2022, the project focuses on the Asian supply chain and aims to operationalize an 80,000 cbm tank capacity vessel by 2030. KSOE has made progress in designing a large-capacity hydrogen carrier, receiving Approval in Principle from Det Norske Veritas (DNV) in September 2023. The partnership involves developing technology, assessing safety, and evaluating the economics of hydrogen transport. KSOE will design and build the carriers, Woodside will concentrate on hydrogen production and port operations, while MOL and Hyundai Glovis will contribute to vessel design and logistics, aiming to establish a comprehensive hydrogen supply chain. Read more here: https://maritime-executive.com/article/mol-ksoe-hyundai-glovis-and-woodside-to-jointly-pursue-hydrogen-shipping?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Governor Hochul announces over $16 million in funding to propel clean hydrogen innovation via the Hydrogen and Clean Fuel Program, aiming to boost research, development, and demonstration projects. This initiative aligns with New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals, targeting zero-emission electricity by 2040. Administered by NYSERDA, the program offers two competitive funding opportunities to stimulate clean hydrogen applications in various sectors, fostering state-level action to complement federal incentives and accelerate the hydrogen economy.  Learn more here: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2024-Announcements/2024_03_15-Governor-Hochul-Announces-More-Than-16-Million-Now-Available-Clean-Hydrogen

A hydrogen-powered ‘meals on wheels’ van has begun trials with Monmouthshire County Council, marking a significant step towards greener transportation solutions. The van, a collaboration between South Wales-based van conversion specialists, Vantastec Ltd, and Swedish fuel cell experts, PowerCell Group, combines Nissan Motor Corporation's electric Townstar with a hydrogen power unit to efficiently heat meals on the go. This innovation offers a practical alternative for fleet operators aiming for sustainability, providing a solution that sidesteps the limitations of battery-powered vehicles and supports quick refueling at hydrogen stations. As said by Powercell’s Sales Manager Stuart Sharp “This demonstrates the limitless possibilities and demand for hydrogen fuel cells in our lives as we transition to a greener future.” Read more here: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/hydrogen-powered-meals-on-wheels-van-enters-trials

The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionize the U.S. freight transport system from 2024 to 2040. This comprehensive strategy, developed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation along with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Transportation, and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focuses on deploying both hydrogen and zero-emission infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty vehicles to enhance market certainty, support private sector growth, and significantly improve air quality in communities affected by diesel emissions. Under this initiative, new freight corridors will be established, contributing to a surge in public battery electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen fueling stations, which will foster substantial investments in clean transport infrastructure. This all-government endeavor aims to provide widespread access to charging and fueling stations, targeting areas with high freight volumes to kickstart further investments and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for freight transport in America. Learn more here: https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/biden-harris-administration-releases-first-ever-national-strategy-accelerate-deployment

Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) are hosting a Hydrogen Storage Training Course this April 23-25 in Hartford, Connecticut! This event will focus on the design and construction of hydrogen ground storage equipment, with an emphasis on the application of ASME Section VIII, Division 3 requirements. Topics covered include: • Review of Hydrogen Codes and Standards – ASME Guideline • Overview of Hydrogen Storage Vessel Types • Overview of Hydrogen Storage Design by Analysis They are currently offering a 25% off discount for early bird registrants until March 14th. Don’t wait until it's too late, purchase your tickets and learn more below! https://hsbbookstore.myshopify.com/products/hartford-hydrogen-storage-training-course-april-23-25?_sm_au_=iHVVKPr6KRKGrSnD41Vp8K0W0RcLq Find additional information in the events tab.