TRC Companies, Inc. (TRC) continues to advance the transition to a low-carbon economy by supporting the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) in the successful pursuit of $925 million in Department of Energy (DOE) funding for a clean hydrogen hub with operations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
ARCH2 was one of seven hubs selected for funding by DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) from an initial field of 79 applicants and includes a dozen project development partners (PDPs) using a variety of technologies to tap the region's abundant natural gas supply to produce hydrogen, ammonia, low carbon aviation fuel, diesel exhaust fluid, and urea while sequestering carbon.
DOE's Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) program is a long-term initiative that aims to create regional clusters of clean hydrogen producers, consumers and connective infrastructure that will form the foundation of a national clean hydrogen network. DOE's H2Hubs program will be executed in four phases that collectively span more than a decade of sustained project development from planning to permitting to construction and operations. ARCH2 was awarded up to $30 million for Phase 1, which is expected to last up to 36 months. The remaining federal funds will be distributed in future phases as ARCH2 successfully reaches specific milestones set by the DOE.
Battelle will serve as the overall Program Manager and prime recipient of ARCH2 funding from DOE/OCED and will lead the Program Management Office team, which includes TRC, GTI Energy (GTI) and Allegheny Science & Technology (AST).
TRC has been involved with ARCH2?since its inception, providing input to DOE's initial request for information, assisting with the ARCH2 response to the DOE Hydrogen Hubs Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), providing key regulatory input for interviews with DOE during the selection process, and helping shape critical aspects of ARCH2 during the pre-award negotiations.
TRC will drive ARCH2 implementation by leading the safety, security and regulatory work within the ARCH2 Program Management Office (PMO). TRC is responsible for guiding project development partners in site safety, hydrogen safety, security, cybersecurity and permitting. Further, TRC will help ARCH2 partners navigate the complex National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and provide Hub-level support in the areas of community benefits planning and workforce development. TRC is also part of the PMO's Community Benefits and Communication team as the workforce development lead. The team supports ARCH2's commitment to put communities first.
"This is an exciting day for both clean hydrogen and its role in the diversification of our energy mix, and we are thrilled to be part of the ARCH2 team," said Christopher Vincze, Chairman and CEO of TRC. "We take great pride in helping drive the implementation of this key project that advances decarbonization and revitalizes local communities, building on the Appalachian region's long-standing contribution to our Nation's energy independence."
