Georgia is taking steps to become a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy, as the state seeks to develop a network of hydrogen fueling stations for commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers and other large trucks. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) issued a request for information (RFI) on Monday, asking for input from the private sector on how to best approach the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure in the state.
What is Hydrogen and Why is it Important?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and can be used as a clean and renewable energy source. Hydrogen can be produced from water using electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power. This process, called electrolysis, splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be stored as a gas or a liquid and transported to fueling stations, where it can be used to power vehicles or generators that run on fuel cells.
Fuel cells are devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water, without producing any harmful emissions. Fuel cells can offer several advantages over conventional combustion engines, such as higher efficiency, lower noise and vibration, and longer driving range. Fuel cells are especially suitable for heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks or buses, that require high power and torque.
Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving global climate goals. According to some projections, hydrogen could supply 20% of the world’s energy demand by 2050 and create millions of jobs in the process. Hydrogen could also enhance energy security and resilience by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
How is Georgia Preparing for the Hydrogen Future?
Georgia is one of the first states in the U.S. to explore the potential of hydrogen fueling stations for commercial vehicles. The state has already established itself as a leader in e-mobility, attracting two major electric vehicle factories from Hyundai Motor Group and Rivian, as well as a network of suppliers across the EV development pipeline.
Governor Brian Kemp said that he has instructed GDOT to begin working with private sector partners on how to best deploy hydrogen infrastructure in the state. He said that Georgia is on the cutting-edge of innovation and wants to be at the forefront of the hydrogen economy.
“As the No. 1 state for business with world-class institutions of higher learning, Georgia is on the cutting-edge of innovation and the jobs of the future,” Kemp said in a press release. “But as I always say, we can’t rest on our laurels. I want to thank GDOT and our partners in the private sector who will ensure that when it comes to hydrogen energy, we will do as we have in so many other areas – lead.”
GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry said that the RFI is a first step in a multi-stage process that will help the state plan for the future. He said that GDOT will use the feedback collected from this RFI, along with other research, to better understand the opportunities and challenges of accelerating the adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks.
“We at GDOT are always seeking opportunities to advance our state through innovation, and with the feedback gathered by this RFI we will have an opportunity to plan for the future,” McMurry said.
The RFI will consider the full range of potential hydrogen transportation uses and demands, but will give primary consideration to the state’s sea ports, which have a significant impact on shipping and logistics across the state. The Savannah port is also located near Hyundai’s future $5.5-billion EV factory in Bryan County, which the company calls its “Metaplant”.
The RFI will also explore various aspects of hydrogen infrastructure development, such as site selection, design, construction, operation, maintenance, safety, regulation, financing, and public-private partnerships.
What are Some Examples of Hydrogen Projects in Georgia?
Georgia is not only interested in developing hydrogen fueling stations, but also in becoming a research hub for hydrogen technology and innovation. A coalition of Georgia business, academic and political leaders has been pitching Georgia to the federal government as a potential research center for the development of hydrogen as a viable energy source. The hub would be part of a network of research facilities that the U.S. Department of Energy wants to create to explore using hydrogen for industrial, residential and transportation uses.
One of the members of this coalition is Plug Power Inc., a leading provider of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy. Plug Power announced in June that it will invest $84 million to build a green hydrogen production plant in Camden County, Ga., where it will produce 15 tons per day of liquid green hydrogen using 100% renewable energy. The plant will serve customers along the entire East Coast of the U.S. and will create at least 24 full-time local jobs.
Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said that Georgia’s location is part of the company’s strategic plan to offer green hydrogen that is cost-competitive with fossil fuel energy to its customers looking to meet their sustainability goals.
“Green hydrogen is the environmentally conscious solution companies need and want,” Marsh said. “Plug Power’s investment in this facility is an investment in Georgia – and an investment in our customers and the future world we want to live in.”
Plug Power broke ground on the site of the plant on Tuesday and expects to start operating by the middle of 2022. The plant will join Plug Power’s existing plant in Tennessee and two more plants under construction in Pennsylvania and New York, as part of the company’s goal to produce more than 500 tons per day of green hydrogen by 2025.
Georgia Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said that Plug Power will expand the state’s “green technology ecosystem” and praised the company for its vision and leadership.
“Plug Power is a global leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, and we are thrilled that they have chosen Georgia for this critical investment,” Wilson said. “This project will not only create quality jobs for Georgians, but also support our state’s efforts to advance clean energy and reduce emissions.”
