Renewables are growing, and their incorporation into the nation’s energy infrastructure is opening up possibilities for other clean fuels, including hydrogen, to power a green economy.

On Nov. 18, 2022, a large group of stakeholders announced a unique partnership that will tap into the vast energy potential of clean hydrogen. Located in the Southwest, the group will take advantage of federal funding opportunities to develop a hydrogen “hub” in Arizona, Nevada and the Navajo Nation.

The so-called Southwest Clean Hydrogen Innovation Network, or “SHINe,” consists of more than 40 participating members. They represent a diverse group of interests including cities, research centers, utilities and private companies, such as the city of Phoenix, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Tucson Electric Power and NextEra Energy Resources LLC.

On Nov. 7, SHINe submitted a concept paper to seek federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for clean hydrogen-focused initiatives. These include production, processing, storage, delivery systems, community benefits and “other enabling infrastructure.”

According to Ellen Stechel, director of the The Center for an Arizona Carbon-Neutral Economy based at Arizona State University, and a SHINe member, the effort will encompass a range of energy infrastructure technology that will incorporate hydrogen fuel, including “salt cavern storage, heavy-duty transportation, and distribution technologies.”

One technology that will play a major role in the effort will be electrolysis, a process that uses electricity produced by renewable sources to separate hydrogen from water. The hydrogen can then be stored and later consumed to generate electricity again when it is needed.

The SHINe effort will take advantage of the region’s abundant sun and land to develop clean energy resources.

Federal funding for the SHINe proposals will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, passed in 2021. It authorized up to $8 billion for at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs.