Salt River Project Joins Coalition To Explore Zero-CO2 Strategies, Hydrogen Hubs

May 16, 2022

by Peter Maloney
APPA News
May 16, 2022

Salt River Project is a member of a new coalition formed in Arizona to explore strategies for achieving a carbon dioxide neutral economy in the state, including the creation of a regional clean hydrogen hub.

In addition to Salt River Project (SRP), the coalition includes Arizona Public Service, Tucson Electric Power, and Southwest Gas, as well as Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

Together, the coalition members aim to develop a statewide strategy for “deep decarbonization – approaching carbon neutrality for the whole economy.” The coalition also aims to find solutions that help address climate change and sustain Arizona’s economy in a carbon-neutral future.

“This challenge is bigger than any one company or industry. SRP appreciates the support and vision of this diverse set of partners willing to roll up their sleeves, work together and find solutions to become a low-net-carbon Arizona,” Mike Hummel, CEO and general manager of SRP, said in a statement.

In a first step toward achieving its goals, the coalition has established the Center for an Arizona Carbon-Neutral Economy in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus where the coalition members aim to begin planning for a regional clean hydrogen hub. While not yet fully defined, the clean hydrogen hub would include hydrogen producers, consumers, and a connected infrastructure.

Used as a fuel, hydrogen releases water, not carbon dioxide as fossil fuels do, so if renewable resources can be used to create clean hydrogen, which can then be stored for use at a later time.

The coalition said it would seek funding for the project under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was passed into law in November 20221 and established program guidance and funding for regional clean hydrogen hubs.

In February, the Department of Energy announced two requests for information to collect feedback from stakeholders to inform the implementation and design of the infrastructure law’s Regional Hydrogen Hub and the Electrolysis and Clean Hydrogen Manufacturing and Recycling Programs.

“Hydrogen is a sustainable energy option we are excited to further explore with our industry and research-focused peers in this collaborative coalition,” Kelly Barr, chief strategy, corporate services and sustainability executive at SRP, said in a statement. “It could likely play a significant role in transitioning coal communities to a new economic way of life, while also supporting the grid with clean energy, which are vital initiatives for SRP, Arizona and the entire U.S.”

In March, the governors of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of regional clean hydrogen hubs and to compete jointly for a portion of the $8 billion allocated for hydrogen hubs under the infrastructure law.

Also in March, New York State, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey formed a coalition to develop a proposal to become one of at least four regional clean energy hydrogen hubs as designated by the infrastructure act.