Delaware Joins Forces for Clean H2

As the Department of Energy deadline for hydrogen hub concept papers drew to a close, the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) team submitted a comprehensive outline for the production, processing, delivery, storage and end-use of clean hydrogen throughout the region.

Forming part of the larger $8 billion hydrogen hub program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program includes up to $7 billion to establish 6-10 regional clean hydrogen hubs across the US.

Since the DOE funding announcement, teams have been forming around the US to develop regional strategies that will create networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and use connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier that can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels as well as carbon emissions.

While clean energy and the hydrogen economy has been on the radar for many organizations for a while, it has taken on increased urgency more recently given the growing climate crisis and geopolitics.

The MACH2 project will leverage existing technology and infrastructure strengths that will enable the mid-Atlantic region to generate clean hydrogen, reuse and revitalize existing pipeline infrastructure, create and retain more than 20,000 well-paying jobs through re-training, up-skilling and talent pipeline building, and provide economic opportunities as well as health improvements that will directly benefit historically underserved communities.

To date, over 25 industry, academic, and supply chain partners have engaged with the MACH2 core team to express their interest in participating with the hub. Current projections are for early-stage output of 85 tons per day of clean hydrogen, which can replace an equivalent amount of daily natural gas combustion, reaching over 600 tons per day once fully scaled up.

The MACH2 team includes representatives from all three regions, as well as experts in the production and distribution of energy.

Says James Snell, Steamfitters Local 420 Business and MACH2 core team member: “Looking at Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey as a whole, we have the critical infrastructure and the skilled, motivated, labor force, needed to succeed in producing large quantities of zero-emission green and pink hydrogen.”

Dora Cheatham, Executive Director of the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA) and MACH2 core team member, says: “The Mid-Atlantic has an abundance of riches when it comes to producers and consumers in close proximity. This puts us in a great position to meet the DOE goals for project impact, viability, and market lift-off. “

Joe Colella of Schuyler Energy, MACH2 Team Member and expert in energy transportation states, “Our centralized location makes MACH2 more than just a regional proposal: We are a true ‘hydrogen highway’ able to start locally and quickly expand outwards to connect with other hubs across the US.”

DESCA is a core member of the MACH2 Team representing Delaware. Other core team members include:

Manny Citron – City of Philadelphia

Joseph Colella – Schuyler Energy

Elliott Gold – Philadelphia Gas Works

Michael Maitland – McCarter & English

Brian McGlinchey – McCarter & English

George Murphy – South River Maritime

Collin O’Mara – National Wildlife Foundation

Philadelphia Gas Works – Elliott Gold

University of Pennsylvania – Lee Whitaker

Steamfitters Local 420 – Jim Snell

Building Trades – Ryan Boyer

For more information on the MACH2 project and to become a member of the hydrogen hub team, individuals can contact Dora Cheatham (doracheatham@desca.net).