CHARLESTON — West Virginia has been chosen as one of seven regional hydrogen hubs across the United States, which will bring new technology and jobs to the state.
The president of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said this is a big win for West Virginia.
"We think this is very good news for West Virginia," Steve Roberts told The West Virginia Record. "Seven sites were chosen and West Virginia was one of them. I have received many notes of congratulations from friends across the country because this is a big win for our state."
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts
Roberts says this means more investment and more jobs in the state.
"We believe there will be several thousands of jobs in the center when this is completed," Roberts said. "And jobs for construction. This will bring new technology to West Virginia and more people who work in energy fields."
Roberts said it is also good news for other areas — such as schools, the economy and other demographics.
"This is a will all around for everyone in West Virginia," Roberts said.
West Virginia will receive nearly $1 billion in federal funding as part of being named a regional hydrogen hub. The Department of Energy announced last week that the Appalachia Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub — known as ARCH2 — would receive the $925 million in federal funding.
"This is what happens when our senators work on our behalf," Roberts said. "Senators Manchin and Capito both worked toward and supported this."
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said in a news release that the hub will put the state on the leading edge of building up the hydrogen market.
"This means West Virginia will be the new epicenter of hydrogen in the United States of America,” Manchin said in the news release. "We won the hub because of the hard work of countless individuals and organizations, and I could not be prouder to be making this announcement today."
Manchin said he worked to include $8 billion to establish hydrogen hubs across the country.
"As Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, I wrote and fought for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to include $8 billion to establish hydrogen hubs to demonstrate the production and use of clean hydrogen — and now, West Virginia will be on the leading edge of building out the new hydrogen market while bringing good-paying jobs and new economic opportunity to the state," Manchin said.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) also applauded the news.
"Today is a major win for the ARCH2 team and for future economic development and energy production in West Virginia," Capito said in a news release.
Roberts said while it hasn't yet been decided where the hub will be located in the state, ARCH2 is considering several areas.
"It will likely be at or near natural gas-producing areas, so maybe Mason County or Jackson County," Roberts said. "Monongalia County is also being considered because of West Virginia University, or even near Marshall University."
Roberts said the Northern Panhandle is also being considered.
"Things should start happening soon," Roberts said. "By late 2024, we should be seeing the benefits of this."
The hydrogen hub is expected to bring more than 21,000 jobs to the state between construction and workers.
