US announces $635m investment into hydrogen refueling infrastructure

The US government grant recieved funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s signature zero-emission refueling infrastructure programs.

The US department for transportation has announced a $635m (£520m) grant to support hydrogen refueling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging, displaying the government’s commitment to clean energy.

According to the US, these grants will further benefit the Port Authority of Houston and the California Energy Commission.

California is taking strides as a state in hydrogen production, as previously reported, in 2024 the state recieved a $12.6bn federal grant for America’s first approved national hydrogen hub.

The grants will fund 49 projects to deploy more than 11,500 EV charging ports and hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure along corridors and in communities across 27 states.

Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy emphasised how this project will build on work from the Department of Energy.

Marootian said: “This funding showcases the harmony in government efforts to maximize federal investments and will build on the Department of Energy’s work to develop the 21st century energy workforce and prepare the grid to power zero-emission fueling infrastructure nationwide”.

“The new charging and refueling locations will deliver more accessible and equitable transportation options, create good paying new jobs, and open up opportunities for innovation in communities across America.”

Projects involving hydrogen refueling infrastructure include:

• The Port Authority of Houston will receive nearly $24.8m (£20.3m) to construct and operate a hydrogen fueling station for heavy-duty trucks in Bayport, Texas. The project supports national strategies for transportation decarbonisation and clean hydrogen.
• The California Energy Commission will receive nearly $55.9m (£45.7m) to install 21 public EV charging stations and one hydrogen refueling station to support zero emission medium- and heavy-duty semi-trailer trucks.

With grants for both electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, these investments are consistent with the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy.

The buildout of hydrogen transportation fueling will further support private sector momentum in deploying zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.