The Western Green Hydrogen Initiative

The Western Green Hydrogen Initiative (WGHI) was a public-private partnership to advance and accelerate the deployment of clean and green hydrogen infrastructure in the Western region for the benefit of our economies and environment. WGHI served as the steering committee enabling the establishment of a regional green hydrogen strategy to develop a large scale, long-duration, renewable energy storage reserve.

 
 
 

Western State Representatives, Supporting States, and Industry Participants

WGHI included representatives from 11 western states and two Canadian provinces – all part of the Western Interconnection – and additional states, including Florida, Ohio, and Louisiana. WGHI also included representation from industry partners, non-profit stakeholders, the U.S. Department of Energy, and more.

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WGHI Objectives

The transformation to a clean and reliable electric grid requires a cost-effective, scalable, technically feasible, zero-emission energy storage solution: green hydrogen.

The mission of this task force was to identify and support pathways to scale green hydrogen production and use, reducing cost and providing the following regional benefits:

  • Create Jobs

  • Support a Clean Electric Grid

  • Clean Air for All Communities

  • Reduce Agricultural and Municipal Waste

  • Diversify Fuels

  • Prevent Renewable Energy Curtailment

  • Re-Use Existing Infrastructure

  • Avoid Costly Transmission Build Out

  • Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

 
“I am pleased and grateful for all that we have accomplished together through the Western Green Hydrogen Initiative. When WGHI was formed, hydrogen was a novel topic for Western states and provinces. WGHI has played a critical role in advancing regional discussions about the role and benefits of clean hydrogen and its integration into Western energy systems.”
— Dr. Andrew McAllister, WGHI Chair and WIEB Chair
“Before WGHI, hydrogen development in the West had been minimal. WGHI’s efforts have helped to increase our understanding of the significant potential of clean and green hydrogen as a domestically produced, carbon-free resource that can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, support energy reliability, and create and repurpose jobs.”
— Anja Richmond, WGHI Co-Vice Chair
“WGHI has been instrumental in bringing together diverse regional state and provincial leadership to explore the role of clean and green hydrogen in achieving an affordable and sustainable energy transition. Our collaborative efforts have laid a strong foundation for future clean and green hydrogen initiatives that will continue to benefit the region and the nation.”
— Stephanie Celt, WGHI Co-Vice Chair
“NASEO is grateful for the partnership with WIEB, GHC, and the state leadership team to advance WGHI. WGHI allowed State Energy Offices to engage in innovative partnerships and identify regional pathways for clean hydrogen production and use. The opportunities and discussions had through WGHI will be leveraged as NASEO explores national-level activities to support states in clean hydrogen RD&D.”
— David Terry, President, NASEO

Thank you to our Industry Advisors and Participants Who Made This Possible!

 
 

Thank you all for your support and collaboration.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the supporters, participants, and donors who have been part of this journey. Your dedication and contributions have been invaluable in advancing our shared mission and steering us toward meaningful progress. Together, we continue to chart a national course toward a sustainable, equitable future.