Photo courtesy Mountain State Spotlight
A regional project once lauded by federal and state leaders to help achieve a common goal of energy dominance is facing an uncertain future as the Trump administration continues axing federal funding.
The project — called the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, also known as ARCH2 — was part of the Biden administration’s strategy to achieve its goal of reducing carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions in the power sector. It was one of seven hydrogen hubs across the nation selected in 2023 by the federal government to receive nearly $1 billion in funding.
In 2024, the Appalachian project, along with two other hydrogen hubs, was awarded funding for the first phase of the projects. But since then, the U.S. Department of Energy hasn’t awarded any more money. Instead, the Trump administration rescinded $2.2 billion in funding for two of the hydrogen hubs earlier this year.
The remaining five hydrogen projects, including the Appalachian-based hub, were spared in that round of cuts. However, they may soon be on the chopping block.