The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has announced its role as the primary academic institution and a founding member of the Department of Energy’s HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub. This new initiative by the Department of Energy aims to leverage UT’s expertise and resources to bring the benefits of clean hydrogen and job opportunities to neighboring communities, according to a press release by UT.
UT highlighted the significance of hydrogen production in the region, stating, “One of the world’s largest concentrations of hydrogen production, pipelines, and users is based in Texas and southwest Louisiana.”
As part of the HyVelocity Hub, UT researchers will take on key responsibilities in various community-focused endeavors. They will lead the development of a clean hydrogen workforce in the area and conduct comprehensive assessments, including life-cycle and techno-economic analyses, to support emissions compliance, establish clean hydrogen guidelines, and evaluate costs, as stated in the press release by UT.
President Jay Hartzell expressed enthusiasm about UT’s involvement in the Hydrogen Hub, saying, “The University of Texas at Austin has a long history of collaborating with industry to address the world’s most pressing energy challenges, and this new Hydrogen Hub will enable a strong partnership to have a big impact on both Texas and society.” Hartzell emphasized the positive outcomes that can be expected from this collaboration, such as accelerated innovation, improved energy security, greater efficiency and profitability in the energy industry, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy access, and a stronger workforce. Hartzell believes that Texas will lead the emerging global hydrogen economy, with UT contributing its talent, research, and expertise to the effort.
Brian Korgel, the Rashid Engineering Regents Chair Professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering and the director of the UT Energy Institute, also expressed pride in UT’s role as a founding member of the HyVelocity Hub. Korgel stated, “By advancing the global clean hydrogen market, we will help to decarbonize multiple sectors of the economy and support equitable economic development across the region.” He further emphasized UT’s commitment to leveraging the federal investment to accelerate the clean hydrogen ecosystem in Texas, southwest Louisiana, and along the U.S. Gulf Coast, according to the press release by UT.
With UT leading the way in the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub, the university is poised to contribute to the growth of the clean hydrogen industry and create employment opportunities in the region.
