US Green Hydrogen Startups Are Moving On To Greener Pastures

The US green hydrogen industry has faced significant setbacks following a sharp reversal in federal energy policy, particularly under the Trump administration, which rescinded billions in funding for initiatives like the $7 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program launched during the Biden administration. This program, funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by the Department of Energy, aimed to reduce green hydrogen costs and diversify the hydrogen supply chain across various regions. Despite some progress, including the selection of seven hubs in 2023 and support for decarbonizing transportation fleets, federal backing for domestic green hydrogen efforts has largely been curtailed. In response to the diminished US support, startups such as Iowa-based SunHydrogen are pivoting toward international opportunities. SunHydrogen is developing innovative green hydrogen production methods based on photoelectrochemistry, which seeks to mimic natural processes to reduce costs compared to traditional electrolysis. The company is actively involved in a pilot project at the University of Texas at Austin’s Hydrogen ProtoHub,