Morgantown, WV – October 20, 2023 – The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) announced Monday that the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) has been selected as a recipient of the regional clean hydrogen hubs funding as designated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which establishes an investment of up to $8 billion for the development of clean hydrogen projects across the country.

Both WV Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which secured $925 million in federal support for ARCH2. This legislation also allocated $8 billion nationwide for the creation of hydrogen hubs to showcase the production and utilization of clean hydrogen, positioning the Appalachian region at the forefront of the emerging hydrogen market. This initiative promises to bring about well-compensated job opportunities and fresh economic prospects to West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.

“As I helped negotiate and craft the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, establishing a regional clean hydrogen hub in Appalachia was a major priority and I’m thrilled to make the announcement that West Virginia will be home to this project,” U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, said. “West Virginia has a proud history of energy production, and ARCH2 will help ensure that tradition continues in new and innovative ways. This project will spur economic development across our state and is the culmination of hard work and dedication across all levels of government. This is a big win for West Virginia, and I’m proud to play a role in its establishment.”

ARCH2 will harness a wide range of resources from West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky to create a sustainable clean hydrogen hub that can expand and seamlessly integrate into a larger national clean hydrogen network. This initiative, spearheaded by the primary applicant Battelle, the world's largest independent applied science and technology company, is supported by a top-tier Program Management Office team that includes Allegheny Science & Technology (AST), GTI Energy, and TRC Companies.

The ARCH2 project portfolio includes a diverse group of partner companies poised to bring economic, environmental, and community benefits to Appalachia through participation in ARCH2. Key project development partners under ARCH2 include: Air Liquide, The Chemours Company, CNX Resources Corp, Dominion Energy Ohio, Empire Diversified Energy, EQT Corporation, Fidelis New Energy, First Mode, Hog Lick Aggregates, Hope Gas Inc., Independence Hydrogen Inc., KeyState Energy, MPLX, Plug Power, and TC Energy.

Arria Hines, CEO of AST, expressed her gratitude for the extensive backing ARCH2 has garnered from various industry leaders and stakeholders. She emphasized the crucial role played by Senators Capito and Senator Manchin in making this support a reality, stating, "We are honored by their trust in our team to lead the charge in unleashing the vast potential of the hydrogen economy. Without the unwavering support of our WV Senatorial delegation, none of this would be achievable. They are genuine champions for our state and the Appalachian region."

ARCH2 is projected to generate over 21,000 job opportunities, with over 18,000 positions in construction and more than 3,000 permanent jobs. This will contribute to the well-being of the Appalachian community through the development and operation of the Hub. Negotiations with DOE/OCED regarding the ARCH2 award are expected to begin in early November.

For additional information on ARCH2, visit: www.arch2hub.com.

AST Contact

Stephanie Pethtel

Director of Marketing Communications

304.657.9107

[email protected]

Battelle Contact

Katy Delaney

Director of Media Relations

614.424.7208

[email protected]

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About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org. 

About AST

AST is an energy solutions firm harnessing world-class agile expertise in applied science, energy efficiency, data analytics, and decision support tools to help build a better world. Utilizing scientists, consultants, and subject matter experts, AST delivers innovative solutions that drive clean, affordable, and sustainable energy technologies for its clients.