Clean Hydrogen/Midwest U.S. Coalition Pushes Ahead with Production Hub Using Nuclear Power

Aim is to use reactor at Energy Harbor's Davis-Besse plant

The Great Lakes Clean Hydrogen Partnership, which includes Energy Harbor, Linde, the University of Toledo, Cleveland-Cliffs and GE Aerospace, is advancing its application for US Department of Energy funds to develop a regional hub that produces clean hydrogen using nuclear power from Energy Harbor's Davis-Besse nuclear power station in Ohio.

The coalition said it aims to transform the Midwest into a powerhouse for low-carbon hydrogen production to accelerate the decarbonisation of regional industries such as manufacturing, power generation, refining and mobility.

The DOE's Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs programme, or H2Hubs, includes up to $7bn (€6.9bn) to establish six to 10 regional clean hydrogen hubs across the country.

As part of a larger $8bn hydrogen hub programme funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the H2Hubs will be "a central driver in helping communities across the country benefit from clean energy investments, good-paying jobs and improved energy security," the DOE said.

Why Region Is Seen As 'Ideal Location'

The coalition said the Midwest region is the ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub, due to its unique access to ample carbon-free nuclear power, the major crossroads of the Interstate-80 and Interstate-75 highways, high concentration of manufacturing and technology companies, Great Lakes marine shipping fleet and a highly skilled workforce.

Low-carbon hydrogen would be produced on site at Energy Harbor's Davis-Besse nuclear station about 30 km east of Toledo.

Davis-Besse is a single-unit pressurised water reactor unit in Oak Harbor, Ohio, and is situated on Lake Erie. The 894-MW PWR was supplied by Babcock & Wilcox and began commercial operation in 1978. The plant is licensed to operate until 2037.

"This industry-led hydrogen hub intends to ensure that the Midwest is a leader in decarbonisation so that regional industries and supply chains are globally competitive, and opportunities are created for workers and their communities," Frank Calzonetti, vice-president for research at The University of Toledo, said in a statement.