Energy Department Preserves Nearly $5 Billion for Five Hydrogen Hubs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it will preserve nearly $5 billion in funding for five hydrogen hubs across the country, including two with significant partnerships in Pittsburgh — the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2). This decision confirms awards for five hubs following a broader DOE review of more than 2,200 energy projects.

“I am proud to have fought for this funding and to see it preserved,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “These two hydrogen hubs are expected to create 41,000 jobs, putting skilled building trades workers such as pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, and welders to work constructing the infrastructure for these new projects. This is a win for Pennsylvania workers, our economy, and our energy future. Pennsylvania has always been an energy leader, and these hubs ensure we remain at the forefront of what comes next.”

A hydrogen hub is a regional network connecting the producers, distributors, and users of hydrogen energy. Clean hydrogen can be produced from a range of domestic sources, including nuclear power, renewables, and fossil fuels with carbon capture making it one of the most versatile tools available for reducing emissions in heavy industry and long-haul transportation.

MACH2, serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, is expected to create over 20,000 jobs. ARCH2, serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, is expected to create more than 21,000 jobs. These hubs build on Pennsylvania’s long history as an American energy leader, reinforcing an all-of-the-above energy strategy while driving innovation and deployment in a region where both population and power demand continue to grow.

The announcement adds to the growing momentum of energy investment in the Pittsburgh area in recent months: Liberty Energy unveiled plans to build a cutting-edge power generation facility in the Pittsburgh region; Homer City coal plant is transforming into a $10 billion gas-powered data center campus, set to generate 4.5 gigawatts of electricity by 2027; and Mitsubishi Electric Power Products (MEPPI) is building an advanced switchgear factory to produce circuit breakers critical for modernizing the U.S. electric grid and supporting data centers and renewable energy.  

This momentum reflects Pennsylvania’s broader push to improve its competitiveness for large-scale business investment. Recent progress on two fronts—the expansion of the PA Sites Program and the DEP’s efforts to reduce the state’s permitting backlog—signals a more coordinated and proactive approach to improving site readiness and accelerating development.