Houston, TX - The inaugural H2Hub Summit: Meet the Winners, organized by HYSKY Society, was a great success that brought together the DOE-selected hydrogen hubs and over 100 registrants. The half-day event took place on March 20th, 2024, and highlighted the progress of the seven hubs.
Agenda Overview
The event began with a welcome address by Danielle McLean, CEO of HYSKY Society, followed by presentations from the hydrogen hubs. The event concluded with closing remarks by Danielle McLean. Each hub presentation was allocated 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session.
Hydrogen Hub Speakers
Dora Cheatham, Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2)
Dora Cheatham, Vice President of Sales & Commercialization at First State Hydrogen, brought her extensive background in fostering innovation and economic growth to the forefront during her presentation on the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2). She shared insights into the development of MACH2 and its impact on the region and focused on its wide-ranging applications from industrial to power sectors. The presentation outlined MACH2's goals that include securing $839M in funding and creating 13,000 jobs.
Dr. Aaron Feaver, Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub (PNWH2)
Dr. Aaron Feaver, leader of Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub (PNWH2), discussed the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub's role in energy innovation and hydrogen research at UT Austin. He focused on clean hydrogen's potential to transform energy and transportation sectors in Texas, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to a hydrogen future. He detailed PNWH2's commitment to community benefits by building a clean hydrogen ecosystem through collaboration with labor, Tribal Nations, and the public and private sectors.
Dr. Brian Korgel, Gulf Coast HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub
Dr. Brian Korgel, the Energy Institute Director at The University of Texas at Austin, presented on the Gulf Coast HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub Project. He emphasized UT Austin's role as a leader in energy innovation, with one of the nation's largest academic hydrogen research and development programs advancing the hydrogen economy. He highlighted the university's significant contributions, including 360 faculty and staff, $736 million in research expenditures, and 805 patents issued. Korgel stressed Texas’s role in leading the way for a future powered by hydrogen.
Prof. Jacob "Jack" Brouwer, California Hydrogen Hub (ARCHES)
Prof. Jacob "Jack" Brouwer, from the California Hydrogen Hub (ARCHES), highlighted ARCHES' efforts in advancing hydrogen infrastructure across California's energy and transport sectors. With a focus on decarbonizing industries and fostering public-private partnerships, Dr. Brouwer detailed the hub's key projects, including hydrogen production facilities and fueling stations. He emphasized ARCHES' role in promoting energy resilience, job creation, and meeting California's net-zero emissions targets. Dr. Brouwer's vision for ARCHES aims to position California as a forefront in clean hydrogen adoption.
Sponsor Contributions
AZUL Energy: Founded in 2019, AZUL Energy, a pioneering clean chemistry startup from Japan, develops high-performance catalysts for next-generation energy systems. Their innovation lies in creating catalysts that are cost-effective and free from the constraints of rare metal usage, such as platinum, making a significant contribution towards sustainable society goals.
Earth and Water Law, LLC (E&W Law): E&W Law leverages a unique blend of strategic advisory and legal expertise to navigate complex environmental and business challenges. Their team, composed of seasoned professionals with backgrounds in government and international law firms, offers comprehensive solutions across the energy sector, emphasizing legal and strategic business counseling to ensure clients stay ahead of regulatory challenges.
Vertical Flight Society (VFS): As the leading organization dedicated to advancing vertical and electric flight technologies, VFS has been at the forefront of hosting pivotal symposiums on electric VTOL and hydrogen aviation. Their commitment to vertical flight is evident through their extensive work in promoting hydrogen as a key component of future aviation technologies.
TO VIRIDI (TOV): TOV is at the cutting edge of developing the United States' first on-demand hydrogen fuel network. Their technology, based on thermal catalytic processes, enables efficient hydrogen production, distribution, and storage, aiming to revolutionize hydrogen accessibility with their innovative approach to leveraging existing infrastructure for seamless delivery.
The Hondo Economic Development Corporation (HEDC): Focused on stimulating economic growth in Hondo, Texas, the HEDC is instrumental in attracting and supporting businesses through financial incentives and development programs. Their work is pivotal in creating a thriving economic environment that benefits both businesses and the community, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and job creation.
These sponsors played a crucial role in supporting the summit, showcasing their commitment to fostering a hydrogen-powered future.
HYSKY Monthly and FLYING HY 2024
Participants were also introduced to HYSKY Monthly, HYSKY Society's initiative offering free monthly webinars on hydrogen aviation, providing ongoing education and engagement opportunities for the community. Learn more here https://www.hysky.org/free-webinars
Looking ahead, HYSKY Society announced its collaboration with Commercial UAV Expo for FLYING HY 2024. This strategic partnership aims to bring together professionals from the commercial drone and hydrogen aviation sectors, offering a full day Hydrogen Aviation Course, a two-day FLYING HY Conference, and a Hydrogen Pavilion showcasing leading technology vendors. Learn more here https://www.expouav.com/hysky/
About HYSKY Society
HYSKY Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing hydrogen aviation, emphasizing hydrogen's role in achieving zero-emission flight. Through research and public education, HYSKY Society is paving the way for a future of hydrogen-powered aircraft, UAVs, eVTOLs, and flying cars.
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