Last month, California marked a significant milestone as the first state in the United States to officially launch a clean, renewable hydrogen hub. On August 30, Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside U.S. Under Secretary of Energy David Crane and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), joined other federal, state, and local leaders in Oakland to celebrate this groundbreaking initiative, further solidifying the state's commitment to clean energy.
The Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) signed a $12.6 billion agreement in July, which includes up to $1.2 billion in federal funding. This agreement makes ARCHES the first of seven hydrogen hubs in the country to formalize its partnership with the Department of Energy. California’s approach to building this hydrogen hub is notable, with a coalition of over 400 partners working together to lead the nation's clean energy efforts.
In addition to the hydrogen hub, the Biden-Harris Administration has awarded California $12 million for three additional hydrogen projects across the state. This initiative is part of a broader push to build infrastructure that will create an estimated 220,000 jobs and significantly reduce carbon emissions, equivalent to taking 445,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road annually.
During the half-day event, attendees had the opportunity to see California’s advancements in hydrogen-powered transportation, including a ride on the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger ferry and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.
Angelina Galiteva, CEO of ARCHES, expressed her excitement about accelerating California’s hydrogen journey, stating, "ARCHES is honored to drive innovative projects that will establish a thriving clean hydrogen ecosystem and enable us to decarbonize all sectors of the economy."
Source: gov.ca.go