Newly Formed Hydrogen Association Readies Call for Projects
SEATTLE, Wash. — The newly formed Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association finalized the members of its board last week as the public-private partnership prepares to kick off a regional effort to land a share of the federal investment in a network of clean hydrogen hubs.
The Department of Energy is making $8 billion of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds available to support creation of a nationwide network of so-called H2Hubs, and the new association plans to put out a final call in early September for projects to possibly include in its proposal to the DOE.
“We aim to lead the nation in demonstrating how to decarbonize the hardest-to-reach parts of the economy, such as heavy transportation, aviation, maritime and industrial operations, with green electrolytic hydrogen and our Pacific Northwest region’s incredible renewable electricity resources,” said Association Board Chair Lisa Brown in a written statement.
Brown also happens to be the state of Washington’s commerce director.
“We understand how green hydrogen fits into a modern, decarbonized economy that is possible today — no other region is as advanced in this area,” she said.
Brown and the other members of the association’s new 10-member board are spearheading work to develop “a single, potent concept paper” to submit as its request for federal funding.
A formal Request for Information will be posted on Washington’s Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) portal.
“The ILWU is pleased to be participating in this process with PNWH2 to bring alternative energy sources to the region that can be applied to marine terminal operating equipment, waterborne vessels or other aspects of the marine environment” said board member Dan McKisson, International Longshore Workers Union Washington Area District Council president.
“Having clean, sustainable, resilient energy is crucial to the movement of cargo and associated maritime industry jobs,” McKisson said.
Similarly, Kent Caputo, COO for Cowlitz Native American tribe, said his organization is proud to be part of “the collective work of building a green hydrogen economy.”
“Our region enjoys significant strategic advantages to build a competitive hydrogen hub, including centuries of tribal stewardship and connection to our land, water, and all living things,” Caputol said. “[The association] provides a significant opportunity for our region to lead at a global level in decarbonizing our economy.”
Other important partners and stakeholders in the association’s work include Washington’s innovation clusters and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Consortium for Hydrogen and Renewably Generated E-fuels, Washington State University’s Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials, and Fortescue future industries.
Rounding out the PNWH2 board leadership are Douglas County (Washington) PUD General Manager Gary Ivory, secretary, and Tacoma Power Director Jackie Flowers, treasurer.
Formed at the direction of the Washington State Legislature, Neighboring Idaho is represented on the PNWH2 Advisory Committee by George Lynch, Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Janine Benner, director of the Washington state Department of Energy was named vice chair of the board.
“This work will lay a foundation for this important decarbonization fuel in our region — one that can help us meet our mission to shape an equitable clean energy transition for Oregon and beyond,” Benner said.
For additional information and updates on the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association, visit www.pnwh2.com or email [email protected].
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and at https://twitter.com/DanMcCue.
