§ 16161a. Regional clean hydrogen hubs

• (a) In this section, the term “regional clean hydrogen hub” means a network of clean hydrogen producers, potential clean hydrogen consumers, and connective infrastructure located in close proximity.
• (b) The Secretary shall establish a program to support the development of at least 4 regional clean hydrogen hubs that—
  • (1) demonstrably aid the achievement of the clean hydrogen production standard developed under section 16166(a) of this title ;
  • (2) demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen; and
  • (3) can be developed into a national clean hydrogen network to facilitate a clean hydrogen economy.
• (c)
  • (1) Not later than 180 days after November 15, 2021 , the Secretary shall solicit proposals for regional clean hydrogen hubs.
  • (2) Not later than 1 year after the deadline for the submission of proposals under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall select at least 4 regional clean hydrogen hubs to be developed under subsection (b).
  • (3) The Secretary shall select regional clean hydrogen hubs under paragraph (2) using the following criteria:
    • (A) To the maximum extent practicable—
      • (i) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from fossil fuels;
      • (ii) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from renewable energy; and
      • (iii) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from nuclear energy.
    • (B) To the maximum extent practicable—
      • (i) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the electric power generation sector;
      • (ii) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the industrial sector;
      • (iii) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the residential and commercial heating sector; and
      • (iv) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the transportation sector.
    • (C) To the maximum extent practicable, each regional clean hydrogen hub—
      • (i) shall be located in a different region of the United States; and
      • (ii) shall use energy resources that are abundant in that region.
    • (D) To the maximum extent practicable, at least 2 regional clean hydrogen hubs shall be located in the regions of the United States with the greatest natural gas resources.
    • (E) The Secretary shall give priority to regional clean hydrogen hubs that are likely to create opportunities for skilled training and long-term employment to the greatest number of residents of the region.
    • (F) The Secretary may take into consideration other criteria that, in the judgment of the Secretary, are necessary or appropriate to carry out this subchapter 1 1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.
  • (4) The Secretary may make grants to each regional clean hydrogen hub selected under paragraph (2) to accelerate commercialization of, and demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of, clean hydrogen.
• (d) There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $8,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.