New Mexico is poised to become a key player in the hydrogen production industry, as the state has applied for funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to create a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub. The state's application, submitted in collaboration with Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, is part of a larger initiative to expand clean energy production capabilities across the country.
If approved, the funding would go towards creating a Western Inter-State Hydrogen Hub (WISHH), which would enable the states involved to produce and distribute hydrogen on a large scale. This, in turn, could lead to the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles and other energy technologies, which would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the creation of a WISHH would not only provide a clean energy source but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. “Through bipartisan collaboration with states and project partners, we are advancing a vital economic development initiative that will power the nation and create thousands of jobs—all while reducing emissions,” she said in a press release.
The U.S. Department of Energy is expected to review grant applications this summer and make award selections in the fall. While New Mexico and its neighboring states are facing stiff competition, they remain optimistic about their chances of securing funding.
“Nearly every state is working on some sort of hydrogen project,” notes the Associated Press, so it will be interesting to see which states ultimately come out on top. Regardless of the outcome, the push for clean energy is a positive step forward in the fight against climate change.
