Federal Government Led by Biden and Harris Allocates $47 Million to Foster Economical Renewable Hydrogen Technology Innovation
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a significant step towards reducing emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors by announcing $47 million in funding for the development of affordable clean hydrogen technologies. This funding opportunity, being administered by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), aims to accelerate research, development, and deployment (RD&D) of key hydrogen delivery and storage technologies, and affordable and durable fuel cell technologies.
The focus of the funding is on projects that target applications for heavy-duty trucks, with the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving local air quality. Teams are encouraged to include representation from diverse entities such as minority-serving institutions, labor unions, community colleges, and other entities connected through Opportunity Zones. DOE also encourages applicant teams that include stakeholders within academia, industry, and national laboratories across multiple technical disciplines.
The application process will include two phases: a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase, with concept papers due on February 24, 2023, and full applications due on April 28, 2023. The estimated period of performance for each award will be approximately two to four years. DOE plans to award financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements.
The goal is to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen to $1 per kilogram within a decade. This funding will advance research and drive down technology costs to help unlock the full potential of clean hydrogen energy. The funding opportunity is in alignment with hydrogen-related activities funded by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs and an upcoming funding opportunity for electrolysis technologies.
Clean hydrogen, produced with zero or near-zero emissions, is set to play a vital future role in reducing emissions from industrial and chemical processes and heavy-duty transportation. Reducing emissions in these sectors will be beneficial for disadvantaged communities that have suffered from local air pollution in the past.
Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy, stated that clean hydrogen is essential to achieving President Biden's vision of an equitable clean energy economy. This sentiment is echoed globally, with various institutions in Germany, such as the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, universities like the Hochschule Stralsund, and the German Railway (Deutsche Bahn), all working towards the development of cost-effective pure hydrogen technologies.
Clean hydrogen technologies have made significant progress over the last several years, but challenges to at-scale adoption need to be addressed for clean hydrogen to realize its full potential. This funding opportunity is a significant step towards overcoming these challenges and propelling the clean hydrogen industry forward.
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