State must take advantage of the hydrogen economy
The hydrogen economy is coming, and Connecticut is perfectly poised to capitalize on it. The only real question is, how big will this new economy be? An industry roadmap published by the Washington-based Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association and McKinsey and Co. indicates hydrogen-related activity could be as big as $750 billion and create 3.4 million jobs.
You may have read that fuel cells operate on hydrogen and that Connecticut is the fuel cell capital of America. And with $8 billion from Congress coming down the pike for hydrogen, why wouldn't Connecticut want to unlock hydrogen's potential?
We all want clean, renewable energy, but sometimes when the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine, renewables aren't making enough electricity. Energy storage is key to solving the climate crisis and hydrogen can help solve that problem. Hydrogen can act like a battery and store energy.
Hydrogen can be produced by a process called electrolysis; put electricity through water and voila — out pops hydrogen and oxygen. Offshore windmills could produce hydrogen when the wind is blowing and store for when the wind isn't blowing or for peak times like for summer air-conditioning. In addition, hydrogen can replace high carbon diesel fuels in trucks and aviation fuel.
One person who has fought the battles to promote fuel cells and hydrogen is Rep. David Arconti, chair of the General Assembly's Energy and Technology Committee. Representing Danbury, he has taken the opportunity to learn about this promising technology as one of the most successful manufacturers of fuel cells, FuelCell Energy, is in his district. In addition to FCE, the state also hosts Doosan and NEL Hydrogen. In order to explore the potential of a hydrogen economy for Connecticut, Arconti along with Representatives, Gresko and Cheesman have proposed HB 5200, An Act To Establish A Task Force to Study Hydrogen Power.
A hydrogen task force as proposed by Arconti will bring together the Green Bank, the Center for Advanced Technology, Building Trades, and other key stakeholders. It will tap Connecticut's vast reservoir of skilled workers and our advanced technology to lead us to more freedom from fossil fuels, better careers, and cleaner air. Let's get started.