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President Biden today issued presidential determinations providing the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with the authority to utilize the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate domestic production of five key energy technologies: (1) solar; (2) transformers and electric grid components; (3) heat pumps; (4) insulation; and (5) electrolyzers, fuel cells, and platinum group metals. The DPA determinations are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan to lower energy costs for families, strengthen national security, and achieve lasting American energy independence that reduces demand for fossil fuels and bolsters our clean energy economy.

Demand for clean energy technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and electrolyzers for hydrogen has increased significantly as the costs of these technologies have plummeted over the last decade. As the world transitions to a clean energy economy, global demand for these essential products and components is set to skyrocket by 400-600% over the next several decades. Unless the U.S. expands new manufacturing, processing, and installation capacity, we will be forced to continue to rely on clean energy imports—exposing the nation to supply chain vulnerabilities, while simultaneously missing out on the enormous job opportunities associated with the energy transition. 

Technologies Included in the President’s DPA Announcement
DPA authority, with the necessary funding appropriated by Congress, will allow the federal government to invest in companies that can build clean energy facilities, expand clean energy manufacturing, process clean energy components, and install clean energy technologies for consumers.

Electrolyzers, Fuel Cells, and Platinum Group Metals — Electrolyzers, fuel cells, and platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts are vital for increasing domestic production and utilization of clean hydrogen, a versatile energy carrier. Clean hydrogen produced through electrolysis is projected to contribute significantly to achieving U.S. decarbonization goals. President Biden’s actions supporting domestic supply chains for electrolyzers, fuel cells, and PGM catalysts will enhance national and energy security by reducing U.S. reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly Russia (the world’s second-largest producer of PGMs) and China. Consumers will benefit from clean hydrogen’s price stability relative to fossil fuels, cost reductions as the hydrogen economy scales up, and resilient domestic supply chains.

The two municipalities and two companies involved in the Basic Agreement aim to support residents experiencing difficulties with everyday shopping, through the establishment of a mobile retail business.

The goal of the partnership is to design bespoke tyres with low rolling resistance technology, a major factor to enhance the vehicle’s 1,000km driving range. The tyres will be created using Bridgestone’s proprietary Virtual Tyre Development technology, providing significant benefits in terms of both efficiency and sustainability.

South Korea, the United States and 16 other countries on Wednesday launched an association meant to boost cooperation in the development of the hydrogen industry, Seoul's industry ministry said.

The facility, and the associated logistics infrastructure, marks a $250 million investment by Air Liquide in the United States hydrogen market and will position Nevada as a leader in hydrogen energy production. Air Liquide’s investment created jobs for 700 contractors and 25 full-time jobs with the plant at full capacity. With this facility, Air Liquide also developed the infrastructure necessary to attract other companies to move into the area, creating additional jobs and new revenue for the city of North Las Vegas and the state of Nevada.

The North Las Vegas facility will produce 30 tonnes of liquid hydrogen per day which will be utilized by various customers, notably by those in the growing clean mobility market on the West Coast, especially California. The facility will be powered by fully renewable electricity. The facility can also use renewable natural gas to meet the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) when supplying the California mobility market. In this context, the facility can provide enough renewable hydrogen for over 40,000 fuel cell vehicles in California. This will significantly improve the hydrogen supply for mobility, a critical enabler for market growth. While the clean mobility market continues to mature, the plant configuration will also allow for the sale of hydrogen to a wide array of sectors with a range of renewable and low-carbon options for customers.

The North Las Vegas facility will produce 30 tons of liquid hydrogen per day and will be powered by renewable electricity, according to the release.

The facility can also use renewable natural gas to meet the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and provide enough hydrogen for over 40,000 fuel-cell vehicles in that state.

Air Liquide's $250 million investment in the U.S. hydrogen market has created jobs for 700 contractors and 25 people full-time with the plant at full capacity, the company said.