US government approves US$12.6 billion hydrogen hub programme

Rendering of hydrogen tanks. (Image: Adobe Stock)

The Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), the public-private California-based coalition, made the announcement on 17 July.

ARCHES comprises four entities: the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the University of California system, the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California and the Renewables 100 Policy Institute.

Along with the US Department of Energy, ARCHES signed a $12.6 billion commitment to build more than 60 hydrogen fuelling stations across the state. The expansive scheme will also transition existing power plants to use hydrogen energy, as well as replace diesel-powered equipment at three key California ports.

“The hub also plans to develop associated infrastructure for hydrogen transport and use including liquefaction… and approximately 165 miles (266km) of open-access pipelines,” said ARCHES.

Projects could create ‘thousands’ of construction jobs

More information on specific projects is still to come, but the construction work is expected to create thousands of jobs.

Chris Hannan, president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California and founding ARCHES board member said, “The Department of Energy completing the negotiation of a cooperative agreement with ARCHES to award funding to begin development of projects for its hydrogen hub will create thousands of union careers while providing continued employment for existing skilled and trained union.”

He added that safety was a priority for the upcoming construction projects.

“ARCHES’ commitment to workforce standards and training will ensure the safest and highest quality construction of these projects by the best trained men and women in the construction industry,” Hannan said.