Oklahoma congressman Frank Lucas suggests that before the government jump head-long into funding hydrogen energy development, it should consider public-private partnerships.
At a recent hearing held by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology subcommittee on Research and Technology, Lucas urged an effective all-of-the-above clean energy strategy.
“In recent years, we’ve all seen the global push for hydrogen,” said Lucas. “Hydrogen energy technologies have the potential to be versatile, exportable, abundant, and clean – and they hold great promise for the U.S. energy sector and its workforce.”
“But today, many challenges remain on the path to their commercial success, and we must address these through strategic investments in both public-private partnerships and fundamental research programs.”
The hearing focused on “H2Success: Research and Development to Advance a Clean Hydrogen Future,” and Rep. Lucas explained projections show a hydrogen economy in Oklahoma could add more than 6,000 jobs and provide economic benefits of nearly $2.5 billion for the state.
“Thank you, Chairman Bowman.
As Ranking Member of the Science Committee, I have long emphasized the importance of investing in American innovation to advance the next generation of clean energy, to export clean energy technologies, and to ensure the long-term independence of the U.S. energy sector. This means taking an all-of-the-above approach that embraces a wide range of energy sources like renewables, advanced nuclear, and research into the cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels.
Today, we have an opportunity to examine the status of hydrogen energy research in the United States – a key technology area that could leverage and strengthen many aspects of this diverse energy portfolio.
In recent years, we’ve all seen the global push for hydrogen. Hydrogen energy technologies have the potential to be versatile, exportable, abundant, and clean – and they hold great promise for the U.S. energy sector and its workforce.
For example, in Oklahoma, it is projected that a hydrogen economy could add more than 6,000 jobs and provide economic benefits between $1.5 – $2.5 billion dollars for the state. Oklahoma is home to diverse energy resources like natural gas, wind energy, extensive pipeline networks, carbon sequestration facilities, geothermal, and premier hydrogen end-use potential. We are well-positioned to lead the way in advancing next-generation hydrogen energy technologies.
But today, many challenges remain on the path to their commercial success, and we must address these through strategic investments in both public-private partnerships and fundamental research programs.
On Tuesday, the Department of Energy announced two RFIs to inform how they implement $9.5 billion dollars in hydrogen initiatives authorized by the infrastructure bill. As my colleague Mr. Weber said, this is an unprecedented expansion. The Department of Energy has a huge task ahead of them. They need to do this right – both to effectively build out our hydrogen technologies and to meet their responsibilities to the American taxpayer. It’s our job on the Science Committee to monitor and guide these kinds of investments. I look forward to continuing to work with my friends across the aisle on comprehensive DOE hydrogen research legislation that will provide the necessary structure and long-term direction for this growth.
I want to thank our witnesses for their testimony today, and for outlining their vision to make affordable hydrogen energy a reality for the next generation. Thank you, Chairman Bowman, I yield back the balance of my time.”
