Biden administration finalizes rules for hydrogen subsidy program

The U.S. Treasury Department has released its final rules for hydrogen tax credits, aiming to boost clean hydrogen production while addressing industry concerns and climate safeguards.

Brad Plumer reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Companies making clean hydrogen can claim tax credits, with looser annual electricity matching rules in place until 2030.
Nuclear reactors set for retirement may qualify for credits if hydrogen production helps them remain operational.
The guidance also clarifies conditions for using landfill, farm or coal mine methane to produce hydrogen if it reduces emissions.

Key quote:

“Clean hydrogen can play a critical role decarbonizing multiple sectors across our economy, from industry to transportation, from energy storage to much more.”

— David Turk, deputy U.S. secretary of energy

Why this matters:

While hydrogen could play a significant role in decarbonizing sectors like steelmaking and transportation, the cost gap between clean hydrogen and fossil fuel-based alternatives remains wide. These final rules aim to foster investment while addressing concerns about grid emissions. Yet, economic and political uncertainties may impact the industry's growth.

Black carbon spewing from ships is a major climate threat in the Arctic

A coalition of nations and environmental groups is lobbying the International Maritime Organization to create regulations around black carbon, or soot, that spews from ships and blankets parts of glaciers and snow.

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