Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Applauds $22 Million Award for Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub in Houston

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) announced the first significant round of federal funding for the Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub in Houston under the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program. The Congresswoman played a key role in securing these funds that represent a transformative investment in the greater Houston region.

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has awarded $22 million to kickstart Phase 1 of the Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub. The total project is expected to receive up to $1.2 billion in DOE funding. This initial grant will support planning, analysis, design, and community and labor engagement activities over the next 18 months. The Houston-based project will leverage the region's renewable energy and natural gas resources to drive down the cost of hydrogen production, distribution, and storage.

"This award marks a historic milestone for the Houston region as we continue our journey to becoming a national leader in clean hydrogen innovation," said Congresswoman Garcia. "This is just the beginning-these are the first funds, with much more expected for this transformative project. I'm proud to see Houston at the forefront of creating good-paying jobs, reducing emissions, and paving the way for a sustainable future."

The Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub will focus on:

• Large-scale hydrogen production using natural gas with carbon capture and renewable-powered electrolysis.

• Developing infrastructure, including salt cavern hydrogen storage, a large open-access hydrogen pipeline, and multiple hydrogen refueling stations.

• Utilizing hydrogen for fuel cell electric trucks, industrial processes, ammonia, refineries and petrochemicals, and marine fuel (e-Methanol).

• Reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 7 million metric tons annually, equivalent to taking more than 1.5 million cars off the road each year.

• Supporting equity and workforce development through a Community Advisory Board and partnerships with minority-serving institutions.

The Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub is led by HyVelocity LLC, with its operations centered in Houston and stretching along the Texas Gulf Coast.

In October 2023, DOE announced up to $7 billion to launch seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs across the nation and accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of low-cost, clean hydrogen, including the Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub.

Congresswoman Garcia remains committed to securing future funding for this groundbreaking project and ensuring that the Houston region receives the support it needs to lead the nation in clean energy innovation.