The establishment of seven clean hydrogen hubs in the U.S. marks a significant milestone in accelerating the clean energy transition. At Talisman Advisory Partners, we recognize the monumental workforce demands that accompany this expansion and are poised to support this industry transformation. A significant upswing in U.S. clean hydrogen production is contingent upon professionals skilled in origination, legal and policy intricacies, investment financing, specialized engineering, construction, and other categories.

“We started to realize in order to effectively scale up any of the emerging technologies, including hydrogen, we really have to have a workforce scale up as well, and a workforce that can build the level of infrastructure we’re talking about,” said Rhodium Group Associate Director Whitney Jones, who helped author the report: "Clean Hydrogen Workforce Development: Opportunities by Occupation". The following jobs estimates for hydrogen hubs are based on information provided by The White House & The Rhodium Group. 

•  Appalachian Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) -

Situated in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub taps into the region's low-cost natural gas to produce clean hydrogen. Designed to bring economic revitalization to coal communities, the hub anticipates more than 21,000 direct jobs. With an investment of up to $925 million, this hub aims to be a cost-effective solution for clean hydrogen production and CO2 storage.

•  Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) -

Located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub focuses on repurposing historical oil infrastructure to produce renewable hydrogen. With a commitment to community workforce development, it aims to create 20,800 direct jobs. Financially backed with up to $750 million, this hub is positioned as a frontrunner in hydrogen-driven decarbonization in the Mid-Atlantic region.

•  California Hydrogen Hub (ARCHES) -

The California Hydrogen Hub leverages the state’s clean energy leadership to produce hydrogen exclusively from renewables and biomass. Committed to decarbonizing public transport and heavy-duty trucking, it expects to create 220,000 direct jobs. With a financial backing of up to $1.2 billion, this hub is set to be a blueprint for clean hydrogen production in transport and industrial sectors.

•  Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub (HyVelocity) -

Centered in the traditional energy capital of the U.S., Houston, Texas, the Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub plans for large-scale hydrogen production through natural gas with carbon capture and renewables. With an expected 45,000 direct jobs and funding of up to $1.2 billion, this hub is focused on cost-effectively kickstarting the clean hydrogen economy.

• Heartland Hydrogen Hub -

This hub operates in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, aiming to decarbonize the agricultural sector and offer equity ownership to tribal and local farming communities. Anticipating around 3,880 direct jobs and backed by up to $925 million, this hub stands as a unique model for community engagement and clean hydrogen application in agriculture.

•  Midwest Hydrogen Hub (MachH2) -

Located in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub focuses on strategic hydrogen uses, including steel and glass production, and power generation. With 13,600 direct jobs anticipated and financial backing of up to $1 billion, this hub is a cornerstone for industrial decarbonization in the Midwest.

•  Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub (PNW H2) -

Operating in Washington, Oregon, and Montana, this hub aims to produce clean hydrogen exclusively from renewable sources. Committed to labor agreements and workforce training, it expects to create more than 10,000 direct jobs. With funding of up to $1 billion, this hub is positioned to drive down electrolyzer costs, making clean hydrogen production more accessible.

Stay tuned as we continue to delve into emerging opportunities in the clean energy & hydrogen landscape. We are actively assisting our clients in the clean hydrogen industry by serving as a leader for talent acquisition and strategic workforce consulting. With specialized teams in origination, development, investment, finance, and engineering, we offer engagement models tailored to suit the unique needs of developers, utilities, consultancies, and other stakeholders. Please contact Cian Boland for more information.