SANTA Fe, N.M. – Despite the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Energy that the Western Interstate Hydrogen Hub (WISHH) was not selected as one of the regional clean hydrogen hubs, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and industry project partners in New Mexico have expressed their unwavering commitment to advancing the state's clean hydrogen hub initiative.
The Western Interstate Hydrogen Hub is a regional initiative focused on advancing the development and utilization of clean hydrogen as a critical component of the clean energy landscape. New Mexico State Legislators were hoping to bring hydrogen power generation to Grants.
Governor Lujan Grisham, in a statement, acknowledged the disappointment over the DOE's decision but emphasized that the determination to develop New Mexico's clean hydrogen hub remains resolute. 'While we are disappointed in the U.S. Department of Energy's decision, we are undeterred,' she stated. 'Our bullish outlook has not changed, and we will continue to move forward. I am incredibly grateful for the work of our industry project partners and their commitment to furthering clean energy solutions that will benefit generations of New Mexicans to come.'
One of the key project partners, Matthew Sheehy, President & CEO of Tallgrass, expressed their dedication to delivering clean hydrogen solutions to New Mexico. 'Tallgrass remains focused on our work to deliver clean hydrogen solutions that bring good jobs and economic development to New Mexico,' Sheehy stated. 'We're excited to continue to collaborate with state and industry partners to achieve Governor Lujan Grisham's vision of a clean energy future for New Mexico.'
Navajo Agriculture Products Industries (NAPI) also expressed disappointment over the DOE's decision. NAPI CEO Dave Zeller remarked, 'NAPI is disap- pointed with the decision of the U.S. Department of Energy not to fund its Clean Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Project. NAPI is looking forward to pursuing other opportunities to advance the potential of clean hydrogen energy development in furtherance of its mission.'
Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO, highlighted the importance of clean hydrogen projects in New Mexico's clean energy transition. 'We remain committed to developing these critical green hydrogen projects in New Mexico to advance the region's clean energy transition,' Azagra said. 'Clean hydrogen will not only play an important role in the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but these projects will also create clean energy jobs and spur economic development.'
Joe Merlino, Managing Partner of Libertad Power, echoed the commitment to delivering clean hydrogen fuel in New Mexico. 'Libertad Power is committed to delivering clean hydrogen fuel for long haul trucking and power generation in New Mexico,' Merlino stated. 'We stand with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to move full steam ahead in developing New Mexico's clean hydrogen economy.'
The clean hydrogen hub application development process facilitated public-private collaborations that did not previously exist. Over the course of 12 months, project partners and state officials worked together to identify critical projects aimed at catalyzing investment and development of the state's burgeoning hydrogen economy. Collaborative efforts were also extended to the states of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming to address key technical and economic challenges.
Clean hydrogen is recognized as an essential component for achieving the necessary emission reductions required to combat climate change effectively. While renewable energy sources like geothermal, solar, and wind development form the foundation of New Mexico's renewable energy initiatives, clean hydrogen plays a crucial role in decarbonizing specific industries such as heavy transportation, manufacturing, and mining. Additionally, it offers a means to store excess energy generated from renewable sources when supply exceeds demand.
According to the International Energy Agency, the use of hydrogen is projected to increase sixfold from current levels, with the goal of meeting 10% of total final energy consumption by 2050. This underscores the growing importance of clean hydrogen in the global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.