US Green Hydrogen Program Shredded, Startup Pursues Deuterium Alternative
The US government has canceled a $7 billion program aimed at expanding and decarbonizing the US hydrogen supply pipeline. Despite this setback, a startup called Aternium is exploring the use of deuterium, a hydrogen isotope, for green hydrogen production. This niche application may offer opportunities for decarbonization in industries reliant on hydrogen.
Key points
- The US government canceled the $7 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, aimed at decarbonizing the US hydrogen supply pipeline.
- The program was funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but was scrapped by the Trump administration.
- Startup Aternium is pursuing the use of deuterium, a hydrogen isotope, for green hydrogen production in niche applications.
- Hydrogen is a crucial component in various industries, including refining, metallurgy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
- Almost all US hydrogen is produced from natural gas, but alternatives like deuterium and carbon capture are emerging.
The cancellation of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program has dealt a significant blow to the US green hydrogen sector. The program, funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed to expand and decarbonize the US hydrogen supply pipeline. However, the Trump administration has scrapped the program, leaving green hydrogen stakeholders in the US disappointed.
Despite this setback, a startup called Aternium is exploring the use of deuterium, a hydrogen isotope, for green hydrogen production. Deuterium is a more abundant and easily accessible alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods. Aternium's pursuit of deuterium-based green hydrogen may offer opportunities for decarbonization in industries reliant on hydrogen.
Hydrogen is a crucial component in various industries, including refining, metallurgy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. However, the global supply chain for hydrogen is largely dominated by natural gas, with a portion of coal also being used. The emergence of alternatives like deuterium and carbon capture may help to reduce the carbon footprint of hydrogen production and improve the security of the hydrogen supply chain.
Sources
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