Our Progress
Hydrogen Hub Timeline & Progress
February 15, 2022:
DOE Announces Request for Information (RFI) for H2Hubs
The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced an RFI to solicit public input regarding the solicitation process and structure of a DOE Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to fund regional clean hydrogen hubs.
February 24, 2022:
Western States Sign Memo of Understanding
The states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate and develop a regional clean hydrogen hub. Together, the states will work to compete for a portion of the $8 billion allocated in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act towards four or more regional hydrogen hubs.
March 2022:
Non-Profit Corporation RANGE Formed to Support WISHH
The Rocky Mountain Alliance for Next Generation Energy (RANGE) was formed as a non-profit corporation and collaborative group of stakeholders from universities, federal labs and government in the four states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. RANGE has contracted with
the Western Inter-States Hydrogen Hub (WISHH) to provide technical assistance and supply work products on behalf of the four state partnership.
March 21, 2022:
WISHH Submits Response to DOE Request for Information (RFI) for H2HUBS
In response to the US Department of Energy’s RFI for H2Hubs, WISHH provided input regarding the solicitation process and structure of a future funding opportunity announcement to fund regional clean hydrogen hubs.
June 6, 2022:
DOE Announces Notice of Intent to fund H2Hubs
The US Department of Energy (DOE) released a Notice of Intent (NOI) to fund the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $8 billion program to develop regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across America. H2Hubs will create networks
of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.
July 20, 2022:
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Prime Contractor
The Wyoming Energy Authority issued an RFP for a prime contractor to manage the implementation of the WISHH regional hydrogen hub. This position will assist WISHH efforts across the four-state region to submit a proposal to the Department of Energy (DOE) for the H2Hubs funding opportunity announcement.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL appropriates more than $62 billion to DOE to ensure the clean energy future delivers true economic prosperity to the American people.
Investment in building out the hydrogen (H2) economy is a significant portion of the BIL funding at DOE. The BIL authorizes and appropriates $8 billion over a five- year period encompassing fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to support the development of at least four H2Hubs that:
Demonstrably aid achievement of the clean hydrogen production standard developed under section 822(a) of Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPA 2005);
Demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end use of clean hydrogen; and
Can be developed into a national clean hydrogen network to facilitate a clean hydrogen economy.
News & PR
Statements of Support from WISHH State Governors
Colorado Governor Jared Polis:
“Colorado is excited to be part of this cutting-edge regional coalition to advance hydrogen power for Colorado and among western states. The State of Colorado is pursuing ambitious goals to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050, while supporting a just transition for affected workers and communities, and the use of low carbon hydrogen, especially hydrogen produced using renewable electricity for electrolysis, will help the state achieve these goals particularly in industry and transportation. Colorado’s leadership in decarbonizing the electric sector using abundant wind and solar resources along with our intellectual capital from our universities and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are successfully positioning Colorado to rapidly save consumers
money on power and scale hydrogen in the region and around the world.”
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham:
“New Mexico is a proud part of this powerful collaboration with the leadership of other western Governors during this pivotal time of expanding clean energy. New Mexico brings incredible value to this partnership, which not only progresses our shared goals around climate change, but creates jobs, fosters innovation and lifts up millions of Americans. New Mexico’s commitment to growing renewable energy and meeting its ambitious climate goals lays the foundation for a thriving clean hydrogen economy. Make no mistake, New Mexico and our partner states will succeed in developing the nation’s most productive clean hydrogen hub.”
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox:
“Utah’s unique geography and innovative spirit position us as the best place in the nation for energy development projects, including clean hydrogen. In Utah, we keep energy prices low to keep quality of life high. Our natural resources and existing infrastructure, along with our talented workforce, enable us to maintain this commitment to our citizens. With Utah’s resources and expertise in the development of a clean hydrogen hub, the possibility of affordable, reliable and clean hydrogen is not just a possibility, it’s inevitable.”
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon:
“Hydrogen has tremendous potential for energizing the next generation and Wyoming is particularly well-situated to develop, export and utilize hydrogen. The University of Wyoming along with our state agencies and legislature are leading the development of hydrogen policy and technology both locally and nationally, and several businesses have already targeted Wyoming as a potential hydrogen production center. Our coalition represents a shared understanding and vision for the future of hydrogen in the mountain west region. Importantly, it expands the resources beyond what each state has individually and reaffirms Wyoming’s commitment to supply hydrogen to consumers throughout the Western states.”
Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI)
We were seeking information from those interested in participating in the clean hydrogen economy (producers, users, storage providers, and transporters) to inform early analysis and evaluate ideas for potential inclusion in funding opportunities. The RFEI is now closed.
Click here to access the WISHH Concept Paper submitted Nov 3, 2022