Ohio joins Appalachian clean hydrogen hub

Technology developer Battelle said December 8 the state of Ohio had joined its Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2), which already includes state support from West Virginia and the participation of EQT, the largest natural gas producer in the basin and in the US.

“Ohio continues to support efforts to lead in the innovation of new technology, including the clean hydrogen market,” Ohio governor Mike DeWine said. “My administration will continue to support these efforts so that Ohioans may share in the benefits from the development of hydrogen as part of the country’s long-term energy strategy.”

The Appalachian Basin is the largest gas producing region in the US, spanning parts of Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, and ARCH2 is expected to be a major economic and environmental investment. The region is considered an ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub, with ample supplies of natural gas feedstock, end-user demand, workforce and technology capability and carbon sequestration potential.

Development of the hub was launched in late September, and along with Battelle and EQT includes the participation of GTI Energy and Allegheny Science & Technology, a West Virginia energy technology consulting firm. More than 200 other corporate and academic institutes also support the hub’s development.

“ARCH2 will be a key foundational component of America’s transition toward decarbonisation and we appreciate the support from the DeWine administration and leaders in our business community throughout the state,” Battelle CEO Lou Von Thaer said.