In September 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles unveiled their groundbreaking hydrogen refueling station as part of their innovative ‘Go Green’ program. This initiative integrates green hydrogen technology into the team’s sustainability strategy, making them the first professional sports team in North America to install and utilize such a station. In collaboration with PDC Machines, the Eagles have harnessed the potential of green hydrogen, produced using water and electricity from the stadium’s 10,456 solar panels, emitting only water vapor.

• What were the primary motivations behind the Eagles’ decision to integrate green hydrogen technology into the Go Green program?
• How do you envision the hydrogen refueling station advancing the Eagles’ long-term sustainability goals?
• What has been the response from the local community and stakeholders to the Eagles’ adoption of green hydrogen technology?
• What policies and partnerships supported the implementation of the hydrogen refueling station?
• What are the next steps for expanding the use of hydrogen in the Eagles’ operations?

Large-scale hydrogen production will be driven by regional clean hydrogen hubs. The proximity to high-priority hydrogen users allows for shared infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

• What are the key company partnerships that are currently driving progress on the East Coast?
• What economic and community benefits do Hydrogen Hubs provide?
• What are the technological innovations enabling the scalability of Hydrogen Hubs?
• How can policy and regulatory frameworks support the development and expansion of Hydrogen Hubs?

In March 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $750 million investment under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to support 52 projects across 24 states, aimed at reducing clean hydrogen costs. Preliminary to the BIL, the Inflation Reduction Act (signed in August 2022) introduced a production tax credit with a $3/kg maximum based on carbon intensity. The 45V Credit for clean hydrogen production will reduce capital costs over the next 10 years. How does the DOE’s investment catalyze sustained private investment, and what prime opportunities should equipment manufacturers and hydrogen producers seize?

• How targeted funding initiatives will directly contribute to reducing the cost of clean hydrogen production.
• Advancements in electrolysis technologies facilitated by investment, driving efficiency and scalability.
• Improvements in manufacturing processes and recycling capabilities to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of clean hydrogen systems.
• The potential for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the funded projects?
• How can hydrogen producers design their systems to achieve the highest tier of the 45V credit?
• How can Hydrogen projects develop their systems to be more attractive to investors?
• What are some other gov programs and policies that can help scale the green hydrogen industry, and what’s next?

The U.S. Army leverages the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and xTech programs to collaborate with small businesses and scale innovative solutions. These programs are spearheaded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)).

• An overview of SBIR and xTech initiatives supporting small business innovation.
• Collaboration opportunities for small businesses to develop green hydrogen solutions.
• How Army programs contribute to achieving the U.S. Army’s net zero objectives.
• Success stories of hydrogen technology innovators funded by Army SBIR and xTech programs.

Securing offtake contracts is crucial for ensuring that hydrogen projects are financeable. Hydrogen producers face the challenge of identifying offtakes with sufficient hydrogen demand.

Six collaborative roundtables will be held simultaneously, each focusing on a specific industry within the offtake stream and wider program. Moderated by industry-leading offtakers, these roundtables will provide first-hand market insights and explore challenges and opportunities for green hydrogen stakeholders in the following industries:

• Concrete
• Vehicle Transportation
• Ammonia
• Aviation
• Steel
• Maritime

Since going public in 2020, Nikola is dedicated to revolutionizing transportation by producing electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles aimed at significantly reducing environmental pollution. Explore the journey of Nikola Corporation, from the introduction of their first semi-electric Class 8 truck, the Nikola One, to their latest advancements and deliveries of battery-electric and fuel-cell electric semi-trucks. Learn more about Nikola Corporation’s mission, achievements, and their vision for a sustainable future in heavy-duty transportation.

• How has the introduction of Nikola’s models impacted the environmental sustainability of the heavy-duty transportation industry?
• What are the key technological advancements in Nikola’s vehicles that differentiate them from competitor hydrogen-powered trucks on the market?
• How has the market responded to battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles, and what challenges has Nikola faced in achieving delivery projections?
• What are Nikola Corporation’s future plans for expanding their range of zero-emission vehicles and their infrastructure to support these innovations?

An inspiring opening address by Mayor Parker, highlighting Philadelphia’s ambitious sustainability goals and the city’s leadership in the clean energy journey. With the support of the U.S. Department of Energy and strategic partnerships, Philadelphia is driving innovation in clean energy, positioning itself as a key player on the East Coast. Mayor Parker will discuss the city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, the pivotal role of hydrogen energy in the region’s future, and the economic and environmental benefits that these initiatives will bring to residents.

Another round of funding for 90 airport-related infrastructure was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration to 34 states as part of the $25 billion under the BIL Airport Infrastructure Grants Program with $186.7 million being received from various airports in the U.S. so far. How can investments and hydrogen transform the aviation industry?

• What are the complexities of integrating hydrogen fuel cells into aircraft design?
• How can the industry ensure safety, efficiency, and performance while navigating weight and space constraints?
• Is it realistic for airports to rapidly evolve their infrastructure to support hydrogen operations, ensuring safety and minimal service disruption?
• What regulations and policies need to be addressed concerning safety, infrastructure development, and integration with existing systems?

With a variety of innovative electrolyzer technologies available—Alkaline, PEM, SOECs, and AEM—how can hydrogen producers determine the best fit for their needs? This masterclass will explore the unique features, efficiencies, and applications of each type, providing insights to help you make an informed choice.

• What are the key challenges and opportunities in scaling up each type of electrolyzer technology, and how can costs be effectively reduced?
• How can different electrolyzer technologies be optimized for integration with intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar?
• What are the most promising industrial applications for each type of electrolyzer, and how can they be tailored to meet specific industry needs?
• What upcoming innovations and advancements in electrolyzer technology should the industry be prepared for, and how can stakeholders stay ahead of the curve?

Hydrogen’s potential to react explosively between 4% and 77% oxygen concentration emphasizes the need for safety measures for industrial applications. How can industries ensure fail-safe operations by addressing key challenges?

• What advanced measures can be adopted to prevent potential hazards, considering hydrogen’s propensity to leak due to its small molecular size?
• How can significant risks posed by leaks at connector points in pipeline networks, especially in sectors like shipping, be effectively mitigated in extensive infrastructure setups?
• What training and certification programs are necessary to ensure that workers handling hydrogen are adequately prepared for safety challenges?

In the United States, the transportation sector accounted for 33 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, the US Department of Energy predicts that by 2030, the total cost of ownership for long-haul hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will become competitive.  How can the widespread adoption of long-haul hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2030 significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector?

• Long-haul hydrogen fuel cell vehicle’s total cost of ownership; where is and where it’s headed
• Major successes and foundational barriers to mass adoption
• Marketplace strategies models, and use cases to promote broad implementation

Using clean hydrogen as a reductant in iron ore refining can reduce the life cycle emissions for making primary steel by 40-70 percent. Carbon-based trade policies will incentivize American manufacturers of clean steel, aligning with the Biden administration’s objectives to reduce steel imports and promote sustainable practices.

• How will the Department of Energy’s (DOE) active steel projects accelerate the integration of hydrogen in the steel industry?
• When can we expect a stable and dependable supply of hydrogen-produced steel to be readily available?
• What are the primary hurdles in the decarbonization journey of the steel industry in the United States?
• How many new job opportunities will arise for U.S. citizens as the domestic steel industry grows and reduces reliance on imports?

The Justice40 Initiative commits to delivering 40 percent of benefits from Federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities, emphasizing equity and justice as top priorities for the Biden administration. In this session, we will discuss how underrepresented individuals and communities can access federal resources, with practical strategies and tools.

• How is the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) being utilized to identify and address disparities in resource allocation?
• How effective are existing policies and programs in meeting the needs of marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers to access?
• What are the best practices for integrating equity considerations into the design and implementation of climate and clean energy projects at the local and national levels?

According to the European Hydrogen Observatory (EHO) published in 2023, Europe hosts 476 operational hydrogen production facilities, led by key countries like Germany and the Netherlands. Water electrolysis projects are increasing, with 97 identified and 46 under construction. What insights can the US receive from Europe’s hydrogen market trends, developments, and the transition to a hydrogen-powered future?

• What is the state of the green hydrogen market in Europe, including key trends, growth areas, and challenges?
• What is the impact of existing policies and regulations on the green hydrogen sector, and the potential future changes that could shape market dynamics?
• How can the United States and Europe collaborate on green hydrogen initiatives, exploring how global partnerships contribute to market growth?

Biomass and alternative fuels are key drivers in the advancement of green hydrogen production. This session will explore innovative approaches and technologies that utilize organic matter and alternative sources to produce sustainable hydrogen.

• Green hydrogen and free energy- understanding the potential
• Overcoming the technical challenges of biomass gasification
• Understanding the importance of feedstock flexibility and scalability
• Competing with fossil energy
• The versatility of syngas

Demand growth for electricity over the next five years has increased from 2.6 percent in 2022 to 4.7 percent in 2023. Utilities and grid operators spend around $25 billion per year on transmission, which mostly consists of local improvement. However, if the U.S. cannot build new transmission fast renewable energy projects will face multiyear delays, rising costs to connect to the grid, and emission reductions projected for 2050 will not be achieved.

• How can the industry address the scarcity of grid connections and the ten-year delays impacting renewable projects?
• What strategies can be used to navigate the process of obtaining permits for green hydrogen projects, from site selection to environmental assessments, to avoid delays or derailments?
• How can the industry effectively manage the lengthy processes in the US for energy connections, particularly when dealing with state and local government regulations for transmission lines?
• What are the logistics, feasibility, and implications of onsite hydrogen generation, and how do factors like cost, efficiency, and scalability affect projects?