Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association and MHI Hydrogen Infrastructure formalize collaboration to further advance clean energy objectives

The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) and MHI Hydrogen Infrastructure’s (MHI H2I’s) Boardman Hydrogen Hub project have signed a subrecipient agreement that advances PNWH2’s objectives and movement toward the deployment of clean hydrogen infrastructure and technologies in the region.

The agreement marks the formalization of nearly two years of collaboration, further enabling MHI H2I’s project development efforts and allowing access to federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED).

MHI H2I intends to utilize hydrogen technology and solutions from its parent company Mitsubishi Power Americas to further advance the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub’s (PNWH2 Hub’s) development and adhere to the clean energy goals set forth by the DOE.

The PNWH2 Hub, one of the seven regional hydrogen hubs aimed at decarbonizing the U.S. energy sector, continues to progress through Phase 1 of DOE’s H2Hubs Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to kickstart a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, delivery and end-use of clean hydrogen.

The hub, comprised of eight groups of projects, also known as nodes, across Washington, Oregon and Montana, will leverage the region’s innovative technology and renewable energy to expand the use of clean hydrogen across multiple sectors. As disclosed, these projects aim to deliver promising solutions to reduce the carbon emissions of hard-to-decarbonize sectors of the economy like heavy-duty transportation, port operations, fertilizer and cement production, as well as power generation.

Node 6, led by MHI H2I, in partnership with Portland General Electric and Williams, aims to develop hydrogen for clean dispatchable electricity generation and provide hydrogen to Node 3 for liquefaction and supply into the heavy-duty transportation market, MHI revealed, adding that Node 6 features hydrogen production via electrolysis and peak power generation using 100% hydrogen capable turbines. Other key infrastructure includes a hydrogen pipeline which will provide long-duration energy storage for the power plant and hydrogen delivery to Node 3, located approximately 20 miles from the production site.

Scott Neumeister, Director of Regional Business Development, MHI Hydrogen Infrastructure, commented: “This important step solidifies our position in the PNWH2 Hub and underscores our strong commitment to advancing the hydrogen economy in the U.S. The Pacific Northwest is poised to serve as a national benchmark for successful low-carbon intensity and economically viable green hydrogen production. The development of hydrogen infrastructure at scale in the U.S. is critical, as is developing robust commercial frameworks for long-term services and support. While the challenges ahead are significant, they also present opportunities to innovate and collaborate across the industry. We look forward to continuing our efforts and working together toward a carbon-free energy future.”

Chris Green, President of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association, stated: “Our dedicated group of partners form the backbone of PNWH2’s work to accelerate the investment in and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies. Formalizing our project subrecipient agreements marks a significant step in laying the groundwork for the Hub’s development, putting us on the path to achieving our goal of establishing the Pacific Northwest as a leader in bringing new energy manufacturing jobs to our region.”

To remind, the U.S. DOE announced the selection of seven hubs to receive $7 billion in funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen back in 2023. The hubs are expected to collectively produce millions of metric tons of hydrogen annually, thereby getting the country closer to reaching the 2030 production target and lowering emissions from hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors that represent 30% of total U.S. carbon emissions.