Southwestern Pennsylvania has long been a powerhouse for industry and is attracting investments in an emerging energy sector – hydrogen energy. But how will this influence our region? Join stakeholders and local officials on October 4, 2022, for a free workshop, “Harnessing Hydrogen: Exploring Local & Regional Opportunities in Appalachia”, hosted by Washington & Jefferson College Center for Energy Policy and Management.

Because hydrogen can be produced cleanly from natural gas using carbon capture and storage, or CCS, to store carbon emissions, the focus in this region has been on so-called Blue Hydrogen. Not only does Pennsylvania have an abundant natural gas supply, it also has geography favorable for underground carbon storage and heavy industry, such as steel, that is looking for ways to decarbonize operations using hydrogen.

In some ways, the development of a hydrogen hub could have similarities to the shale boom Western Pennsylvania experienced in the 2010s. Earlier this year, President Biden announced plans to develop and fund at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs across the country as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In response, Governor Wolf announced a plan to secure Pennsylvania’s spot as a regional leader in hydrogen energy development.

The Department of Energy describes a hydrogen hub not by its individual components, but as a network of “hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.”

The establishment of a hub will present several opportunities and challenges, especially for local governments and landowners. Hydrogen energy and CCS will have impacts on land use/zoning, permitting responsibilities, workforce development, and environmental compliance.

Because hydrogen energy development requires storage for the resource and carbon byproducts and infrastructure to transport both, local officials should expect new land uses that must be accommodated, permits for pipelines, workers for the burgeoning industry, and changes to environmental compliance issues, like storm water management and sedimentation/erosion control.

If you are interested in learning more about hydrogen energy, CCUS, and how they could impact local governments in Western Pennsylvania, then register for the free event, “Harnessing Hydrogen: Exploring Local & Regional Opportunities in Appalachia”, on October 4, 2022. The day-long event will feature talks by experts from all sectors related to hydrogen energy, panel discussions, and interest-specific breakout sessions. The event will be held by the Washington & Jefferson College Center for Energy Policy and Management on the college’s campus in Washington, PA. You can register by visiting wjenergy.org/hydrogen.

Corey Young, DPA, LEED Green Associate
Director, Center for Energy Policy and Management
Washington & Jefferson College