On April 11, 2023, the Southeast Hydrogen Hub coalition announced it had applied to the Department of Energy (DOE) for funding to build a green hydrogen network spanning six states and including five major utilities.[1] Specifically, members of the coalition include Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Louisville Gas & Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company (LG&E and KU), Southern Company, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Battelle. The coalition’s goal is to develop a regional hydrogen hub that will allow members to deploy green hydrogen as a decarbonization solution for customers and communities. According to the press release, a hydrogen hub in the Southeastern U.S. could help in decarbonization efforts in the region and bring development benefits and jobs. The effort has the backing of lawmakers from both parties, including Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The coalition is seeking funding from the $8 billion made available by the DOE through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create regional clean hydrogen hubs. The Southeast Hydrogen Hub coalition was one of 79 potential hubs to submit initial concept papers to the DOE in 2022. In late December 2022, the DOE issued notices to the coalition and 32 other applicants, encouraging them to proceed with submitting full applications by April 7, 2023. Final funding decisions are expected by the fall of 2023.

[1] https://www.tva.com/newsroom/press-releases/southeast-hydrogen-hub-coalition-submits-formal-application-for-funding-to-the-u.s.-department-of-energy