April 18, 2022. Developing a Hydrogen Economy in Ohio: Challenges and Opportunities, a comprehensive study released by JobsOhio and the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), asserts that Ohio is poised to become a leader in the clean hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission economy of the 21st Century. The report also validates Ohio as a prime location for a Clean Hydrogen Hub, as defined by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) appropriated $10 billion to DOE for the creation of at least four Clean Hydrogen Hubs across the United States.
The highly detailed, data-driven study identifies:
- Factors that give Ohio an advantage in developing and deploying hydrogen technology
- Existing and potential hydrogen end-users
- Opportunities for growth in hydrogen-based markets: hydrogen-burning power plants, hydrogen fuel cell electric-powered vehicles, etc.
- Potential challenges that may impede the expansion of hydrogen-based markets
The report states that “conservative projections indicate that Ohio will be a major market for hydrogen markets and generation.” It is clear that over the coming decades, Ohio will have to adopt an “all of the above” strategy for sourcing hydrogen to meet its market demand – embracing natural gas, biomass, and electrolysis as sources.
J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO, JobsOhio, said his organization commissioned this study before the IIJA was passed and that JobsOhio is committed to growing the hydrogen economy in Ohio, especially for industrial use. “We are interested in developing a better understanding of the opportunities this presents for the State,” he said. “This study has provided us some insight into where opportunities will arise and how Ohio can lead development.”
“The report clearly shows that hydrogen has the potential to fuel economic growth, innovation, and job creation in the state while significantly reducing carbon emissions,” SARTA CEO Kirt Conrad said. “The one key question left on the table: will state government and the private sector make the investment necessary to unleash that potential?”
“The study provides clear and convincing evidence that Ohio not only meets but exceeds the criteria established for the hubs in the IIJA,” Mr. Nauseef continued. “Ohio has feedstock and end-use diversity, one of the nation’s largest supplies of natural gas, and the geology to accommodate hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration. Ohio is also geographically positioned in an area where critical processing, storage, and distribution infrastructure will be developed.”
The research was led by Mark Henning and Andrew R. Thomas of the Midwest Hydrogen Center of Excellence and the Energy Policy Center at the Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio.