Intermountain hydrogen hub promoters coalition releases 'Request for Expression of Interest'

As efforts to establish a regional hydrogen hub in the Intermountain West continue, the Salt Lake City-based Western Inter-States Hydrogen Hub (WISHH) coalition has released a “Request for Expression of Interest” (RFEI) to solicit input from key stakeholders. The RFEI provides an avenue for stakeholders such as industry leaders, elected officials, community groups, tribes and the general public to provide input in creating a regional clean hydrogen hub across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, the coalition said.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

In addition, the Rocky Mountain Alliance for Next Generation Energy (RANGE) launched a website (https://rangecollaborative.org/) that provides information about WISHH and its efforts to establish this hydrogen hub across the four-state region. The website also creates a portal for interested parties and stakeholders to respond to the RFEI and offer information on how they could participate in the regional hydrogen hub.

On Feb. 23, 2022, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create the WISHH coalition. WISHH is coordinating and developing an application for the regional clean hydrogen hub through funding allocated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress.

“Utah’s pioneering spirit has always served us well, and as we explore new technologies for diversifying our energy sector, like hydrogen, we will ensure our state always has affordable and reliable energy,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “However, these efforts do not advance alone; industry partners and a talented workforce make these big ideas feasible and we’re certain Utah can find that industry and that talent.”

“A regional hydrogen hub requires coordination not only among states, but among our valuable stakeholders as well,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “New Mexico is ready to engage with partners to build a clean hydrogen future that creates sustainable jobs and helps us reach our climate goals.”

“Colorado is excited to be part of this nation-leading, cutting-edge regional coalition to boost hydrogen power to help us reach our goals to save people money, reduce pollution and create the good-paying jobs of the future right here. Our innovative use of low carbon hydrogen will help the state achieve our goals while cutting emissions from industry and transportation,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

“Hydrogen projects will not be developed without major investment and buy-in from private companies. While our four states have worked out the parameters of our joint efforts, it is now time to find out what projects the public and industry will find feasible,” said Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon. “Wyoming has an all-of-the-above, net zero energy strategy and these partnerships will support that goal.”

The RANGE website gives details about WISHH members and highlights on the progress of developing the hub. The information submitted through the RFEI will be used to coordinate upcoming efforts in the four states, including the application for the Department of Energy’s Regional Hydrogen Hubs funding, expected to be submitted this fall.

“Given the high levels of interest in the nation’s rapidly growing hydrogen sector, the RFEI will serve as a critical avenue for stakeholder input to WISHH and RANGE,” said Anja Bendel, program director for WISHH. “We encourage anyone looking to get involved or provide input in this effort to utilize this site.”

WISHH said that Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are uniquely qualified and situated to serve as a hydrogen hub. These states have the potential to create a thriving hydrogen economy given the presence of high-quality wind, solar, biomass and other energy resources. They also possess a sophisticated oil and natural gas industry, robust energy-transportation infrastructure and an established carbon management infrastructure with both favorable underlying geologies and regulatory structures, the organization said.{/mprestriction}