Xcel Energy, Heartland Hydrogen Hub selected for up to $925 million federal award - Seite 2

Xcel Energy’s clean energy leadership

Xcel Energy has nearly 20 years of experience leading the clean energy transition. The company has reduced carbon emissions 55% from 2005 levels in the Upper Midwest and remains on track to reduce carbon emissions 85% by 2030 as it moves toward a vision to meet Minnesota’s 100% carbon-free benchmark by 2040.

“This federal funding will inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the Upper Midwest economy, helping to deliver an affordable project for our customers,” said Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy—Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. “It provides vital financial support for clean energy infrastructure that will deliver reliable, low-cost renewable energy to the communities we serve.”

In total, the Heartland Hydrogen Hub anticipates creating approximately 3,900 total direct jobs, which includes construction and operating jobs across all phases of the project. The hub has engaged with communities, tribes, and other stakeholders to identify strategies and programs to promote shared prosperity in the project region.

The Department of Energy's Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) will kickstart a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, delivery, and end-use of clean hydrogen. The H2Hubs are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Congress approved funding for H2Hubs in the bipartisan 2021 infrastructure law. The hubs will accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of clean hydrogen—helping generate clean, dispatchable power, create a new form of energy storage, and decarbonize heavy industry, agriculture and transportation. Together, they will also reduce 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from end-uses each year—an amount roughly equivalent to combined annual emissions of 5.5 million gasoline-powered cars—and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across the country while supporting healthier communities and strengthening America's energy security.

“Unlocking the full potential of hydrogen—a versatile fuel that can be made from almost any energy resource in virtually every part of the country—is crucial to achieving President Biden’s goal of American industry powered by American clean energy, ensuring less volatility and more affordable clean energy options for American families and businesses,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With this historic investment, the Biden-Harris Administration is laying the foundation for a new, American-led industry that will propel the global clean energy transition while creating high quality jobs and delivering healthier communities in every pocket of the nation.”