Top 5 Upcoming U.S. Green Hydrogen Projects to Watch

The U.S. is investing heavily in green hydrogen production, with numerous companies conducting extensive R&D to transform the energy landscape.

Key U.S. players are recognising green hydrogen’s potential to decarbonise various sectors. In transportation, it’s being used in ships, trains, trucks, and buses, emitting only water vapor and reducing fossil fuel use. The aviation industry is exploring green hydrogen as a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with research ongoing to understand its low carbon emissions. Hydrogen-powered aircraft are expected in the near future.

Green Hydrogen’s Diverse Applications: From Low-emission Buses to Ammonia Production

In industrial processes, green hydrogen is revolutionising steel manufacturing through the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) process, acting as a reducing agent to transform iron ore into steel, thus cutting carbon emissions. It’s also used in producing methanol and green ammonia, essential for fertilisers.

Top 5 Upcoming Green Hydrogen Projects in the U.S.

The U.S. has several green hydrogen projects planned to enhance energy security, lower emissions, and create jobs. Here are the top 5 projects to watch:

1. St. Gabriel Green Hydrogen Plant
   • The U.S. Department of Energy plans to finalise a $1.6 billion loan to Plug Power Inc. for developing six green hydrogen plants in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. Construction is set to begin in late 2024, with the plants expected to produce nearly 500 tons of green hydrogen daily by the end of 2025. Plug Power is partnering with Olin Corp., a major electrolytic hydrogen producer, to maximise untapped supply.
2. Sauk Valley Green Hydrogen Plant
   • Invenergy announced its first 5-acre green hydrogen project in 2022, utilising power from its co-located plant and Ohmium International’s electrolyser technology. The project aims to produce about 52 tons of hydrogen annually, with a capacity of 400 kilograms on-site, supplying hydrogen to the Nelson Energy Center. The plant is expected to be operational in 2024.
3. Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub
   • Anticipated to be one of the largest off-grid, zero-carbon hydrogen production hubs in the U.S., the Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub (MCHH) will cater to rising hydrogen demand. Operational by early 2027 or late 2026, it will use off-grid renewable power and electrolysis solutions from Hy Stor Energy. Schneider Electric will provide automation and digital energy management solutions.
4. Hydrogen City Project
   • In October 2023, Inpex partnered with Green Hydrogen International to develop the Hydrogen City project in Texas, aiming to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for global and Asian markets. Using behind-the-meter renewable power and salt cavern storage, the project aims to overcome scale and cost barriers, with completion expected by 2030.
5. Matagorda E-fuels Facility
   • HIF Global received approval in April 2023 to develop the world’s largest e-fuel production facility in Matagorda, Texas. Construction begins in 2024, with the facility expected to produce 1.4 million tons of e-methanol annually by 2027. The project will utilise wind power and electrolysis to produce green hydrogen, creating a carbon-neutral environment.

U.S. to Tackle Infrastructure and Scalability Challenges with Government Support

The U.S. aims to replace fossil fuels with green hydrogen, supported by favourable regulations and technological innovations. Challenges like infrastructure, scalability, and high investments remain, but advancements in electrolyser efficiency are expected to boost production and reduce costs. The U.S. government, through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is providing financial support to accelerate this transition. Future international partnerships are likely to open new opportunities.