Funding Notice: Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs

Office:  Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations   
FOA number:  DE- FOA-0002779  
Access the FOA:  OCED eXCHANGE  
FOA Amount:  $7 Billion

Background Information   

On September 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) issued a $7 billion funding opportunity announcement to support six to 10 hydrogen hubs. As part of a larger $8 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) program funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this effort will catalyze investment in the development of H2Hubs that demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen—all while supporting President Biden’s goal of a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.  

Each H2Hub is required to provide a minimum of 50% non-federal cost share (50% of the total project cost including both DOE share and recipient cost share, for a total project cost of at least $800 million to $2.5 billion), to be executed over approximately 8-12 years (or sooner) depending on the size and complexity of the H2Hub. The award period will include the planning, development, and construction of the H2Hub as well as 2-4 years of operations. 

Concept papers are due by November 7, 2022, and full applications from candidates who previously submitted concept papers are due by April 7, 2023. Additional funding opportunities may follow to accelerate and expand the network of clean hydrogen projects.  

Eligibility  

Eligible applicants include individuals, institutions of higher education, for-profit and non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and Tribal Nations.  

Download the full funding opportunity for more information on eligibility.

Phases  

DOE has defined a four-phase structure for the H2Hubs. This funding opportunity will solicit plans for all four phases of proposed H2Hub activities; however, DOE will only initially authorize funding for Phase I. DOE’s review and evaluation of deliverables reflecting activities in each phase will inform Go/No-Go decisions that occur between or within Phases. 

  • Phase 1 will encompass initial planning and analysis activities to ensure that the overall H2Hub concept is technologically and financially viable, with input from relevant local stakeholders.  
  • Phase 2 will finalize engineering designs and business development, site access, labor agreements, permitting, offtake agreements, and community engagement activities. 
  • Phase 3 will focus on implementation necessary to begin installation, integration, and construction activities.  
  • Phase 4 will ramp-up the H2Hub to full operations including data collection to analyze the H2Hub’s operations, performance, and financial viability.  

Funding   

DOE expects to make a total of approximately $6-7 billion of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. DOE anticipates making approximately 6-10 awards under this FOA. DOE may issue one, multiple, or no awards under this FOA. Additional funding opportunities may follow to accelerate and expand the network of clean hydrogen projects.  

Key Dates  

Funding Opportunity Announcement Issue Date:  

9/22/2022 

Submission Deadline for Concept Papers 

11/7/2022 by 5 p.m., ET 

Concept Paper Encourage/Discourage Notifications  

December 2022  

Submission Deadline for Full Applications:  

4/7/2023 by 5 p.m., ET  

Pre-Selection Interviews:  

Summer 2023  

Expected Date for Selection Notifications:  

Fall 2023  

Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations:  

Winter 2023-2024 

Additional Information