EQT Corporation announced that its strategic plans to produce clean H₂ and low-carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) from its low emissions Appalachian natural gas will advance into Phase 1 planning following the execution of a cooperative agreement between the Appalachian Regional Clean H₂ Hub (ARCH2) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED).

The agreement unlocks $30 MM in initial funding for ARCH2 projects in Phase 1 from a potential $925 MM that may be distributed in future phases, as designated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which establishes an investment of up to $7 B for the Regional Clean H₂ Hubs (H2Hubs) Program. Phase 1 will encompass initial planning, siting, permitting, community engagement and analysis activities to ensure the Hub and its projects are technologically and financially viable, with input from local stakeholders.

EQT plans to construct and operate a clean H₂ production facility to convert natural gas into H₂-rich syngas via autothermal reforming, and then into LCAF and other liquid fuels. H₂ will also be purified from the syngas and used for fuel cell vehicles or blending to gas distribution lines. The project location is still under consideration.

"The advancement of ARCH2 enables EQT and our region to lead the next generation of natural gas by kickstarting a clean H₂ economy that deploys innovative, commercial-scale technologies, promotes the growth of our economy and improves the environment by decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries that lack affordable, scalable solutions," said Toby Z. Rice, President & CEO of EQT Corporation.

Rice continued, "But the backdrop of this milestone is just as important as our path forward. Our vast supply of affordable, low-emissions Appalachian natural gas, underpinned by the innovation, grit and reliability of our region's workforce, has driven our nation's climate progress for decades. In the past 5 yr alone, EQT has increased production by 50% and reduced our legacy Scope 1 and 2 production emissions by nearly 70%. Natural gas is – and will continue to be – the answer to the world's call for cheaper, more reliable, more affordable energy."