Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) Secretary Rebecca Goodman Thursday announced the formation of Kentucky's Regional Hydrogen Hub Workgroup.
The primary purpose of the workgroup will be to develop projects eligible for funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Creation Act of 2021. Workgroup stakeholders will consist of academic institutions, individuals, organizations, and business focused on hydrogen production, transportation, delivery, and end use utilization opportunities.
"Kentucky's existing resources, robust infrastructure, strong chemical and manufacturing base, along with our leadership in the automotive and logistics sectors position us as a natural location for hydrogen economic development," said Beshear. "The key now is to coordinate and access the seed funding to develop the foundation here."
Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of resources, such as fossil, renewable, and nuclear resources. The energy density and energy carrying capacity of hydrogen make it an attractive cleaner fuel option for transportation, aviation, industrial uses, and electricity generation applications.
"Hydrogen is one component of Kentucky's energy strategy, KYE3 but it only becomes actionable when we come together and work collaboratively on how to build a hydrogen economy in Kentucky from the community level up, said, EEC Secretary Rebecca Goodman.
The first meeting of the Regional Hydrogen Hub Workgroup will be held Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. Interested stakeholders can email the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy at energy@ky.gov for virtual meeting information.
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy