Pacific northwest hydrogen association (PNWH2) H2 hub - phase 1 this award covers the preliminary design phase, phase 1, for the pacific northwest hydrogen hub (PNWH2 hub)

The PNWH2 hub is led by the pacific northwest hydrogen association (PNWH2) and is a multi-state nonprofit coalition of public and private partners planning to create a hydrogen network in the pacific northwest. The coalition includes the states of washington, oregon, and montana, and representatives from tribal nations, labor, business and industry, higher education, government, and the environmental community spanning the region. This award will assist to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure in the pacific northwest to build out the regional clean hydrogen economy. As proposed, the PNWH2 hub will focus on demonstrating low-carbon intensity and economically viable hydrogen production and use in hard-to-decarbonize sectors to replace carbon-intensive processes, including hard-to-electrify heavy-duty transportation, seaports, agriculture, and industrial operations. The hub's efforts will accelerate the deployment of these technologies and enable infrastructure, attract greater investments from the private sector in the pacific northwest, and promote high-quality jobs in regional communities with a strong focus on social equity and environmental justice as guiding principles. Phase 1 includes planning, analysis, design, and community, tribal and labor engagement activities, for multiple hydrogen projects, and facilities across the pacific northwest. The PNWH2 hub is committed to incorporating community input, support, and concerns into decision making to promote accountability and equitable distribution of benefits. During phase 1, this includes monitoring and siting decisions, community and tribal interests, concerns and priorities for the project, workforce gaps, and initial engagement with labor unions and workforce development organizations on local hiring, fair wages, and benefits. Information gathered through the community engagement process will be used in project planning decision-making, development of JUSTICE40 targets, workforce planning strategies, resource planning, and as general guidance for hub and project leaders.