West Virginia is on the brink of an extraordinary transformation in the nation’s energy landscape, all thanks to the creation of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2).
This groundbreaking project promises to usher in a host of benefits, from economic growth to energy security. The creation of this hub will foster research and development, create good-paying jobs for West Virginians, and position our state at the cutting edge of technological advancement.
The ARCH2 project is not only a game-changer for our state, but it also showcases the successful partnerships between public and private sectors.
The federal money must be matched by private dollars. In fact, the private sector must provide 50% matching funds, which will bring the total investment in this clean hydrogen hub to at least $1.8 billion over the next 10 years.
Hydrogen is a versatile and clean energy carrier, and is a fuel source that can be produced from a variety of resources, including natural gas and water.
Its applications are broad, from powering vehicles to manufacturing and generating electricity. Hydrogen can be used to power long-haul trucks, as well as boats bringing the freight into this country and the trains hauling it to distribution centers.
This will revolutionize the freight hauling industry and reduce the carbon footprint not only in this country, but around the world.
Additionally, hydrogen plays a key role in the energy sector by serving as a component for fuel cells to generate electricity efficiently. It also serves as a feedstock in petrochemicals and metallurgy, contributing to chemical production and metal refining.
Allegheny Science & Technology (AST) is leaning into this application, and we are working to build the roadmap for the infrastructure needed to provide the hydrogen for this use.
The economic impact of ARCH2 cannot be overstated. This initiative is anticipated to create as many as 20,000 jobs, providing stability and prosperity for West Virginia families. These job opportunities will be the backbone of our local economy and pave the way for future generations to thrive in our magnificent state.
Moreover, ARCH2 is set to encourage private investment, attract businesses, and drive growth throughout the region. By investing in new energy technologies, we not only target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. West Virginia’s energy transformation is a promise of economic revival and revitalization.
We celebrate this exciting development and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Joe Manchin and Senator Shelley Moore Capito for their support in making ARCH2 a reality. The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill made this project possible, and we thank our senators for their leadership and the work they put into getting this vital legislation across the finish line.
We’d also like to extend our thanks to Sen. Manchin for fighting to pass legislation that provides tax credits for carbon sequestration that made the production of hydrogen using natural gas feasible.
Our senators’ dedication to the well-being of our state is unmistakable and was an instrumental role in securing $925 million in federal funding for this project is a testament to their vision for West Virginia’s future. We also want to thank Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Economic Development Authority for their support for this project.
ARCH2 will utilize the region’s natural gas resources and existing infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and delivery, fostering sustainable practices across sectors. The Hub is not only about energy production, but it also represents an investment in technology in the state.
AST recognizes this, and we are working hard to promote and expand uses for hydrogen in this state, in the nation and around the world.
Arria Hines is CEO of Allegheny Science & Technology.