The federal government is allocating up to $7 billion to build six to 10 hydrogen hubs across the country — and Pennsylvania lawmakers want in.
Spotlight PA reporter Kate Huangpu was on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast explaining what you need to know about PA’s bid. Here’s what we learned from that conversation:
What Are Hydrogen Hubs?
Hydrogen is a clean alternative to natural gas. Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element, but it’s very scarce as a gas. More than 95% of hydrogen currently produced in the U.S. results in significant emissions.
Clean hydrogen can be produced from zero-emissions electricity generated by wind, solar, geothermal, and nuclear. Hydrogen hubs would be regional clusters or facilities that would produce the hydrogen, regulate its distribution, and store it. The Biden Administration sees the advancement of producing clean hydrogen through these hubs as a way to reach climate goals.
Why Is There So Much Buzz About It?
State lawmakers are excited about bringing billions of dollars to Pennsylvania, and with it tax credits, political clout, and short- and longer-term jobs for locals.
What Are the Downsides?
Some environmental advocates worry that without the right state regulations in place, these hydrogen hubs won’t be as environmentally friendly as they seem. Many advocates say it’s not a guarantee that zero methane emissions or carbon dioxide emissions will be released during these processes.
➕ For more on this, check out Kate’s ongoing coverage of our state’s bid for hydrogen hubs, and listen to her conversation with City Cast Pittsburgh.
