ARCH2 believes a clean H2 economy is that catalyst–bringing new financial investments through 15 PDPs, which will bring positive impact to more than 35% of counties throughout our four-state region through direct, indirect, and induced jobs; business growth; and community benefits.
Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) will demonstrate sustained production, storage, delivery, and end-use of clean hydrogen (H2) in our region. Appalachia offers an abundance of low-cost natural gas to produce economically viable clean H2 and H2-derived products at scale. The region’s vast industrial base also offers substantial opportunity to leverage existing infrastructure to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.
The decline of coal, manufacturing, and heavy industrial employment throughout the region has caused many younger residents to leave for other employment opportunities. In addition, the lack of economic opportunity has contributed to a rise in opioid addiction. These factors often render the area less attractive to new businesses making economic development and diversification increasingly difficult and creating multiple economic, environmental, and social burdens. Spurring economic development in the region requires a positive catalyst to stop these cycles and create positive momentum.
