Grand Forks, N.D. (October 13, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the Heartland Hydrogen Hub℠ (HH2H) to advance a regional clean energy project. The funding award is under negotiations for up to $925 million. HH2H is a collaborative initiative that will produce low-carbon hydrogen, decarbonize regional supply chains, and create clean energy jobs across Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), Atlas Agro North America Corp., and Xcel Energy are leading HH2H’s development.
“We thank the Department of Energy for recognizing Heartland Hydrogen Hub’s commitment to the federal government’s goals for clean hydrogen,” said Charles Gorecki, CEO at the EERC. “We look forward to advancing the ‘all-of-the-above’ approach that the hydrogen energy transformation enables.”
HH2H aims to reduce CO2 emissions by integrating technologically diverse clean hydrogen projects. Utilizing various energy sources will deliver clean hydrogen to multiple end-use markets, including industrial operations, ammonia and urea fertilizer production, and natural gas blending for power generation and existing local distribution facilities. In addition to advancing the clean hydrogen market, HH2H will help reduce carbon emissions—by upwards of 1 million metric tons per year—from multiple sectors in the region, such as agriculture and industrial manufacturing.
“Clean fuels are a critical component of enabling economy-wide decarbonization. The Heartland Hydrogen Hub is game-changing initiative that demonstrates how we’re accelerating the development of the next generation of clean energy technology with significant benefits for our customers and the environment,” said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy Chairman, President and CEO. “The strong partnership with our Upper Midwest states and other energy providers demonstrates our commitment to increasing economic impact while achieving carbon reduction goals for our customers.”
The Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) will kick-start a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, delivery, and end use of clean hydrogen. Together, they will also reduce 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from end uses each year and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across the country while supporting healthier communities and strengthening America’s energy security.
Contact Information: HH2H@undeerc.org