First-of-its-kind hydrogen ‘proto-hub’ backed by the DOE opens at University of Texas at Austin
While Texas might be best known for the fuel that’s under the ground, an exciting new hydrogen project at one Austin school explores the rich possibilities of several other natural resources the state has to offer. The Center for Electromechanics at The University of Texas at Austin has opened a cutting edge hydrogen power ‘proto-hub’ that will put clean power to the test and explore the possibilities of scaling up and modernizing the Texas energy industry.
Several years in the making, this facility is part of the larger “Demonstration and Framework for H2@Scale in Texas and Beyond” project. H2@Scale is supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) and is an incubator for clean energy projects not only in the state of Texas, but also across the nation.
Along with partners Frontier Energy and GTI Energy, more than 20 industry stakeholders and sponsors have had a hand in H2@Scale. The opening of the University of Texas at Austin facility is the result of contributions from across the state, and the benefits will hopefully one day touch every corner of Texas.
100% Carbon-Free Power
The Austin facility’s projects are powered by hydrogen produced with water electrolysis using solar energy and renewable natural gas from a local landfill. The entire process produces zero carbon emissions.
True to the spirit of Texas innovation, the proto-hub is the first of its kind. The facility is unique not only because it pulls clean power from several different resources, but it is also distributes that power for a diverse array of uses. One stationary fuel cell will fulfill the considerable power needs of the Texas Advanced Computing Center. It will also provide power for recharging a fleet of Toyota Mirai electric vehicles. A mobile fueling trailer will be used to charge drones being used for an off-site project elsewhere in Texas.
Pragmatic Optimism
These early projects will give scientists and thought leaders’ insight on how to scale hydrogen power for the cleaner economy of the future. President and CEO of GTI Energy Paula Grant called the facility a “proving ground” for larger-scale hydrogen hubs across the region.
The proto-hub’s research centers not only on the science and reliability of hydrogen power but also – crucially – the financial viability of hydrogen in real-world scenarios. The facility doesn’t have direct access to a wind farm currently, but researchers are using real-world data as they crunch the numbers to account for wind’s variability. The facility’s location is perfect for exploring clean energy’s future role in Austin economic development.
The proto-hub will be engaged in a study with the DOE over the next year and GTI Energy has already planned out enough topics of research for the next decade, according to Brian Weeks, senior director of business development and research operations at GTI. Permitting and firing officials have also expressed interest in using the facility for hydrogen code requirement training.
“With this facility, we aim to provide the educated workforce and the engineering data needed for success,” Michael Lewis, director of the Center for Electromechanics, said in a news release. “Beyond the current project, the hydrogen research facility is well-positioned for growth and impact in the emerging clean hydrogen industry.”
The project will focus on education for workforce development in the future, Lewis said, hopefully soon expanding to offer training opportunities to professionals in different industries who want to learn more about hydrogen-powered equipment.
Resources for Starting or Relocating Your Business in Texas
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