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Press Releases
03/24/2022
Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Partners With New York and New Jersey To Develop Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Proposals
Multi-State Coalition Will Seek $8 Billion in Federal Infrastructure Law Financing to Establish Regional Hubs To Expand Clean Hydrogen Use
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that Connecticut is joining New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts to develop a proposal to become one of at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs designated through the federal Clean Hydrogen Hubs program included in the 2021 federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The IIJA includes historic levels funding for hydrogen research, development, and deployment of clean hydrogen infrastructure.
Hydrogen can also be produced electrolytically using renewable or nuclear energy sources. This has the potential to provide an emissions-free energy source for sectors such as long distance transportation that are difficult to decarbonize. Connecticut’s longstanding leadership in fuel cell development and manufacturing positions the state to be a leader in hydrogen development as fuel cell technology can produce, store, and generate electricity from hydrogen.
The IIJA provides $8 billion for Regional Clean Hydrogen hubs, which will create jobs and expand the use of clean hydrogen in the industrial sector.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, (DEEP), will partner with Connecticut entities that represent the entire chain of hydrocarbon producers, end users and technology manufacturers. Utilities; and the research and developmental community, which includes university leaders.
The partners will work together to achieve the following:
- Define the shared vision and plans for the regional hydrogen hub that can advance safe green hydrogen energy innovation and investment to address climate change, while improving the health, resiliency, and economic development of the region’s residents.
- Perform the necessary research and analysis to support the hub proposition and align on an approach to quantifying greenhouse gas emission reductions due to the deployment of this technology.
- Create a framework to ensure that the ecosystem for innovation and production, infrastructure, as well as workforce development, is shared among all partner countries.
- Support environmentally responsible opportunities to develop hydrogen, in accordance with participating states’ policies.
“Connecticut has long been a leader in addressing the climate crisis and in researching and developing innovative technologies, and this exciting partnership unites both of those key leadership areas,” Governor Lamont stated. “We’re proud to share a commitment to climate leadership, fuel cell innovation, and clean energy jobs with our neighboring states, which will position us competitively to bring federal investment in clean hydrogen to our region.”
“New York is proud to lead the way in forming bold partnerships to combat the existential threat of climate change,” Governor Kathy Hochul. “Expanding the hydrogen market is critical to New York’s aggressive pursuit of clean-energy alternatives that will supercharge our economy and advance our climate goals. Coalitions like this one serve as a model to the nation on the collaboration that is required to meet this moment and bring us closer to a carbon-neutral future, and I thank Governors Lamont, Baker and Murphy for their partnership.”
“The urgency of climate change and the implementation of our net-zero by 2050 strategy requires a comprehensive approach, which includes the research and deployment of technologies that will allow more cost-effective clean energy in the future,” Governor Charlie Baker. “Today’s announcement is a critical step for regional collaboration in integrating this clean energy resource into our existing climate strategy, and Massachusetts looks forward to working with our state partners on this initiative.”
“Clean hydrogen has the promise to expand New Jersey’s diverse clean energy portfolio,” Governor Phil Murphy. “Clean hydrogen technology has the potential to improve net greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutant impacts. Joining together with our regional partners will allow us to build a strong coalition for the development of clean hydrogen technology and cultivate economic growth and opportunity for New Jersey.”
“DEEP is looking forward to partnering with clean hydrogen leaders in Connecticut to develop a competitive regional approach to clean hydrogen development,” Katie Dykes, DEEP Commissioner. “This coordinated, multi-state approach will help us leverage federal dollars to invest in this technology and maximize the potential impact by coordinating with coalition partners across the region on ideas and projects. Connecticut needs to make significant reductions in its carbon emissions in order to get back on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions goals, and I’m excited for the potential role hydrogen can play in helping us get there.”
The coalition of states continues to seek out additional public and private partners in this region. They focus on coordinating regional fuel cell innovation ecosystems, integrating offshore wind, solar photovoltaic material into hydrogen production, and deploying hydrogen for transportation, including potential deployment in medium- and heavy-duty cars, heavy industry, power generator, and maritime applications. Future partners could include utilities, fuel cell solution providers and fuel suppliers, transportation, fueling infrastructure partners, government agencies and community organizations.
DEEP also seeks to engage the wider public and other interested stakeholders in this effort, seeking input on hydrogen opportunities as a part of the Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES) process. DEEP will hold a virtual technical conference in the CES proceeding Wednesday, April 6, 2022 to gather input about the hydrogen opportunities the state should pursue. This includes as part of this regional collaboration. More information is available about the meeting on DEEP’s website.
The members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation applauded the announcement.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, “This innovative partnership will ensure Connecticut is well-positioned to secure federal funding to mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and grow well-paying jobs. This is why the Connecticut delegation worked tirelessly for the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This legislation is delivering its promise to transform our economy and infrastructure for generations to follow. I am committed to working with Governor Lamont and my Congressional colleagues to deliver this funding to our region.”
Senator Chris Murphy, “We need bold, ambitious action to save our planet, and Connecticut is helping lead the way in innovative technology to address the climate crisis. I’m proud that the bipartisan infrastructure bill includes historic amounts of funding for clean hydrogen development. This is a smart partnership for our state that will help create clean energy jobs and keep us moving in the right direction.”
John Larson, Congressman, “We are primed to become one of the regional hydrogen hubs established through the bipartisan infrastructure law. Connecticut is the fuel cell capital of the nation, and I’m proud to co-chair the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus in the House. I commend Governor Lamont for collaborating with our neighbors to pursue this clean energy to address our global climate crisis.”
Joe Courtney, Congressman, “When we talk about becoming more energy efficient, more energy independent, and better stewards of our environment, these are the kinds of serious investments we need to be making if we really want to achieve those goals. The potential for clean hydrogen to fuel major activity in long-distance transport and other sectors is huge. Connecticut has an opportunity to lead the U.S. in expanding its use through the bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Our state has a blue chip manufacturing and research sector, and we’re already primed to become a leader in producing other forms of clean energy. This is exactly why we passed the IIJA, to upgrade our transportation and energy sectors and make them competitive for the future, and Connecticut is the perfect place to start making that happen.”
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said, “Scientists, researchers, and small businesses across Connecticut’s clean energy sector continue to show what they are capable of when they receive the right support. As the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee I am proud to have helped secure historic funding for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which will combat climate change and create high-paying jobs in clean electricity. I applaud the leadership of Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes in establishing this partnership, and I look forward to supporting their pursuit of a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub for Connecticut and the Northeast.”
Congressman Jim Himes said, “Connecticut fosters a culture of innovation and creativity. Connecticut and its surrounding areas have one of the highest education levels in the country and have the human capital as well as the infrastructure to support a clean hydrogen investment. Recent fluctuations in the prince of oil have highlighted why we need to transition to clean energy for economic, environmental, and national security reasons, and Connecticut stands ready to do our part.”
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes said, “Combatting the climate crisis demands bold, innovative leadership. This regional partnership will give our state the opportunity to collaborate with our neighbors and create the framework for cutting-edge clean energy projects. I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to secure funds for clean hydrogen initiatives and other climate solutions.”
Connecticut project partners also welcomed the announcement of the proposed hub.
Dr. Jasna Jasna Jasna, assistant professor in Materials Science and Engineering Department and one the faculty at UConn’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering, said, “UConn has a long tradition in research and education in hydrogen technologies. We are home of the Center for Clean Energy Engineering and the Innovation Partnership Building at the Tech Park, where some of the world’s leading experts in hydrogen technology perform their research. We are highly engaged with regional and global industrial partners, national laboratories, academic institutions and community, solving real challenges in hydrogen technologies, but also inspiring and preparing new generations for professions in sustainable energy.”
Bryan Garcia, Connecticut Green Bank CEO and President, said, “Connecticut is a global center for hydrogen and fuel cell innovation, including hydrogen-powered fuel cells being manufactured here that have been on NASA’s Apollo and space shuttle missions since the 1960s. We look forward to working with our Northeast regional partners, including our respective green banks, to submit a proposal into the pending DOE H2Hubs RFP to continue to build-out nation-leading clean hydrogen and fuel cell industries.”
Joe Nolan, CEO of Eversource and President, said, “We share Connecticut’s goal of a greener energy future and are always focused on innovative solutions that benefit our customers and advance clean energy. We applaud Governor Lamont and DEEP Commissioner Dykes for partnering with our neighboring states in an effort to develop a clean hydrogen hub, and we look forward to playing a role in this important ground-breaking initiative to help achieve aggressive carbon-reduction goals in the region that will benefit customers throughout the Northeast.”
Dr. Joel M. Rinebold (director of energy, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology) said, “Connecticut is in an exceptionally favorable position to develop a clean hydrogen hub using its world class research facilities, advanced manufacturing companies, and strong supply chain. The hydrogen technology would be powered by renewable, zero-carbon energy resources. Additionally, the hydrogen hub would be able to deploy clean, low-cost energy to economically distressed communities. Ultimately, this initiative will help to improve air quality, decarbonize our energy systems, increase energy reliability, and create high-quality jobs in Connecticut.”
Sathya Mtupally, chief operating office of HyAxiom (formerly Doosan Fuel Cell America), stated, “HyAxiom is completely vested in the power of hydrogen as a green fuel, and we are investing in the future of both hydrogen production by electrolysis and power generation using hydrogen fuel cells. We are very pleased to be a part of the Northeast’s push to establish a hydrogen hub in our area where majority of the country’s hydrogen players are based.”
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