Funding Opportunity: DE-FOA-0002779

     The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program has been announced by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to establish up to ten clean hydrogen hubs in regions across the nation. Also referred to as “H2Hubs,” the program will be a key initiative of the Department of Energy’s National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap and is poised to be a pivotal contribution to achieving decarbonization nationally. In support of the Biden Administration’s goal to achieve a carbon-free electric grid by 2035 and a net zero emissions economy by 2050, the program supports the development of hydrogen hubs that demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen, establishing the foundation of a national clean hydrogen network that substantially reduces the nation’s overall environmental impact.

     Sizable funding was authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Department of Energy, dedicated to increased investment in the U.S. hydrogen economy ($8 billion total) - $7 billion of which has been appropriated to the H2Hubs program over the next five years. According to the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, the program will “be a central driver in helping communities across the country benefit from clean energy investments, good-paying jobs, and improved energy security.” Projects awarded under the program will support the development of H2Hubs that 1) aid achievement of the clean hydrogen production standard developed under section 822(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005; 2) demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end use of clean hydrogen; and 3) can become a national clean hydrogen network to establish a clean hydrogen economy.

     The Agency intends to award Phase 1 cooperative agreements for an estimated period of performance for awards of 12-18 months, with a total period of performance of 8-12 years for all four phases. Eligibility is unrestricted, accepting applications from individuals, domestic entities foreign entities, incorporated consortia, and unincorporated consortia are eligible. In addition, the required cost share minimum for the program is 50% of total project costs for demonstration projects or commercial application activity. The submission deadline for concept papers is due 11/7/2022, at 5:00 pm ET.