The Advanced Clean Energy Storage Project, a new federally-backed project in Utah, will be the world’s largest hydrogen production and storage facility. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a conditional commitment of more than $500 million in debt financing for the Delta, UT, site. The wind-and solar-powered project, once completed, will provide up to 300-gigawatt hours of clean energy to the region annually and can store up to 9 million barrels of hydrogen in the Sawtooth salt caverns below. It will also serve as a hydrogen hub, connecting much of the green hydrogen production, storage and distribution across the American West.
The project is a joint venture between Magnum Development and Mitsubishi Power Americas, which will provide the bulk of the equipment. Magnum Development focuses on delivering scalable, sustainable and economically viable power across the West. The company began researching the 10,000-acre Delta site more than a decade ago before partnering with Mitsubishi in 2019. Haddington Ventures LLC is a long-time co-developer with a $650 million funding goal that is almost complete. The site is adjacent to the Intermountain Power Project, making distribution easier.
“We are unbelievably excited to reach this important milestone [in funding], not just for our hub, but for the hydrogen industry as a whole,” said Michael Ducker, senior vice president of Hydrogen Infrastructure for Mitsubishi Power Americas and president of Advanced Clean Energy Storage.
As more people across the globe turn to alternative energy sources, this project’s goal to bring clean-burning energy into the mainstream has sparked interest from several partners. Contracts for engineering, construction and equipment supply are in place, with a completion goal of 2025. The project will include 220 megawatts of electrolyzer machines that split hydrogen from water using solar and wind energy. Essentially, the plant will convert renewable energy into hydrogen while underground storage caverns store the hydrogen.
The Advanced Clean Energy Storage Project is a huge step toward decarbonizing several industries across the West. Transportation, power and manufacturing will all benefit from the new hub.
The DOE financing — awarded to projects accelerating America’s move to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions — is an integral part of the country’s overall transition to clean energy. Though several provisions must be met before the federal financing is secured, organizers remain confident that the project’s positive, green impact on the region is undeniable.
“We look forward to working with the Department of Energy [on] innovative renewable energy projects like ours,” said Magnum Development CEO Craig Broussard. “[This project will not only] help decarbonize the West, but also will support hundreds of clean energy jobs in Millard County and across the state of Utah.”
