Hydrogen Rising

Members of the K&L Gates Hydrogen, Power, Tax, and Tax Policy teams speak with Sandi Safro Osborn, Assistant General Counsel of the Edison Electric Institute, about the proposed regulations the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service released on 22 December 2023 concerning the Inflation Reduction Act's new Section 45V hydrogen production tax credit. The discussion covers details of the new rules and considers their potential impacts on the eligibility of hydrogen facilities to claim the credit. This episode of Hydrogen Rising is an edited audio version of a webinar hosted on 10 January 2023. Click here for the original webinar recording which includes presentation slides.

K&L Gates partner Tariq Fedda sits down with Hydrogen Rising co-hosts David Wochner, Partner at K&L Gates, and Sandra Safro, Associate General Counsel at the Edison Electric Institute, to discuss a range of commercial issues impacting the European hydrogen and energy markets. Tariq talks about the Renewable Energy Directive, green hydrogen, guarantees of origin, and other issues driving the commercial negotiations and contracts he is currently working on to facilitate the development of Europe's hydrogen economy.   

Elizabeth Crouse, partner and head of the energy tax practice at K&L Gates, discusses the hydrogen-related tax credits and incentives included in the newly-signed-into-law Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  From CI scores, to prevailing wages and apprenticeships, to the Treasury Department's regulatory implementation process, Elizabeth breaks down what hydrogen industry participants need to know about IRA as they develop and advance new projects. 

Hydrogen Rising co-hosts David Wochner, partner at K&L Gates, and Sandra Safro, Associate General Counsel at the Edison Electric Institute, welcome Frank Wolak, President and CEO of Washington, D.C.,-based Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) to the podcast. Mr. Wolak has spent his career in the fuel cell and hydrogen sector, previously having served as Senior Vice President at Fuel Cell Energy where he developed some of the most innovative and largest fuel cell technology applications in the world. In this episode, Frank discusses FCHEA's efforts to advance the deployment of a hydrogen economy, the development and continued evolution of global codes and standards for the safe deployment of hydrogen at scale, and the reasons why he believes hydrogen is a “long-term, evolutionary, and sustainable” solution to our energy and climate challenges. 

As countries around the world continue efforts to reduce emissions, clean hydrogen economies are beginning to emerge.  But, with the impressive number of potential production pathways and possibility of comingling this fungible molecule, how can commercial parties and governments confirm that their hydrogen is “clean”?  Ana Angel, Head of Hinicio North America, joins Hydrogen Rising to talk about what her company is doing to help countries around the world answer this question; the CertifHy Guarantees of Origin program currently operating in the voluntary market in Europe; hydrogen developments in Chile; and Hinicio's work in the United States, including with the U.S. Department of Energy as it continues to implement its regional clean hydrogen hubs program.

The State of New Mexico is one of the leading states in the country in its efforts to advance the hydrogen economy.  Environment Secretary James Kenney joins Hydrogen Rising to discuss a number of those initiatives, including the State's proposed financing of hydrogen development via public-private partnerships, its partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories on hydrogen best practices, and the Western Inter-State Hydrogen Hub (WISHH) alliance which the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming entered into with the intention of bidding into the US DOE clean hydrogen hub $8B funding opportunity. 

Hydrogen Rising co-hosts David Wochner, partner at K&L Gates, and Sandra Safro, Associate General Counsel at the Edison Electric Institute, speak with the co-founders of Kaizen Clean Energy [link:  www.kaizencleanenergy.com], Eric Smith and Robert Meaney, about Kaizen's role in the energy transition, challenges facing broader deployment of ZEVs in the United States, and how Kaizen's technology can use methanol to more efficiently and economically advance the hydrogen economy.  

Since the Paris Climate Conference, innovations in the development of hydrogen energy have accelerated sharply, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) now predicting green hydrogen will be competitive in 2030, while other industry experts are now targeting 2025. The recent COP26 climate summit has further boosted global investment in hydrogen, with companies across a range of sectors recognizing the potential and taking an active role in the development of the sector. K&L Gates partners James Douglass in London, David Wochner in Washington, D.C., Kelly Davies in Sydney, Melanie Bruneau in Brussels, and Annette Mutschler-Siebert in Berlin, all members of our Hydrogen practice, held a town hall on 24 March 2022 to discuss global hydrogen policy and regulatory developments with moderator Sandra Safro, Associate General Counsel at the Edison Electric Institute, and co-host of Hydrogen Rising. 

Hosts David Wochner and Sandra Safro, Associate General Counsel at the Edison Electric Institute , have a conversation with Michelle Detwiler, the Executive Director of the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance.  Based in Portland in the U.S. state of Oregon, the RHA is a non-profit trade association advocating in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon and California, for the use of renewable electricity to produce hydrogen and other climate neutral fuels to replace fossil fuel consumption.  The conversation touches on a range of issues from federal efforts to advance hydrogen to state and local laws and regulations in the Washington and Oregon that are propelling the growth of clean hydrogen from renewable resources. 

Co-hosts David Wochner from K&L Gates and Sandra Safro from the Edison Electric Institute are joined by Karl Gnadt, President of the newly formed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Council and Managing Director and CEO of the Champaign-Urbana, Illinois Mass Transit District.  Karl discusses the mission of the coalition to advance the hydrogen fuel cell electric bus economy and its applications in the public transit sector, as well as the importance of hydrogen to public transit so that the industry can continue to seamlessly provide service to its customers who rely on public transportation.

Co-hosts David Wochner, partner at K&L Gates, and Sandra Safro, Associate General Counsel at the Edison Electric Institute, kick off season 2 of Hydrogen Rising with a discussion of developments since the last episodes of Season 1 in November, including exciting new programs at the U.S. Department of Energy like the H2 Twin Cities program and the H2 Matchmaker Tool, as well as moves by cities to bring hydrogen into everyday life

In this episode of Hydrogen Rising, co-hosts David Wochner from K&L Gates and Sandra Safro from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) speak with Eric Holdsworth, Managing Director for Clean Energy and Environmental Policy at EEI about his experience at the recent COP26 conference in Glasgow, Scotland.  Eric shares his perspectives on what the outcomes of “the most important COP since Paris” mean for the hydrogen economy and what we may see as parties look to take action on their commitments.  The discussion also includes steps that the power sector already is taking towards a clean energy future and what may be on the horizon.

Late Friday night, November 5, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a bipartisan basis in favor of the Senate-passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, sending the landmark and signature piece of legislation to President Biden for his signature.  The $1.2 trillion bill includes $550 billion in new spending, touching all aspects of infrastructure in America.  And the growing hydrogen industry is a big winner in the IIJA.  In this episode of Hydrogen Rising, co-hosts David Wochner from K&L Gates and Sandra Safro from the Edison Electric Institute are joined by Laurie Purpuro, Government Affairs Advisor at K&L Gates and former Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, to discuss the politics of what just happened, and to review each provision of the IIJA that will benefit the hydrogen industry.  From clean buses and ferries to electrolyzer investment to $8 billion for clean hydrogen hubs to vehicle fueling infrastructure, there is something in the new law that will benefit nearly every aspect of the hydrogen value chain.  Importantly, the new law includes a definition of “clean hydrogen” that will lead some industry participants to cheer, while likely igniting frustration in others.  It's all here!  Listen in as we walk through the new law provision-by-provision. 

Co-hosts David Wochner from K&L Gates and Sandra Safro from the Edison Electric Institute sit down with Jim Sartucci and Elle Stuart, members of the K&L Gates Maritime and Public Policy teams, to discuss how the maritime industry is considering policy and regulatory changes, the most important issues for the industry in the energy transition, and the potential role that hydrogen can play in helping the sector decarbonize. 

In honor of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day in the United States, Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, sits down with Hydrogen Rising co-hosts David Wochner and Sandra Safro to discuss the role of her office in helping build out the U.S. hydrogen economy, including the new DOE Hydrogen Shot initiative, collaboration with the private sector, and areas of international cooperation.

In this episode, Sandi Safro of the Edison Electric Institute and guest co-host, K&L Gates partner Buck Endemann, speak with Ben Gerber, President and CEO of M-RETS, about Renewable Thermal Certificates (RTCs) and their application to molecule-based components of a clean energy economy, like hydrogen.  Ben shares his thoughts on how the flexibility of hydrogen end-uses in both the fuel and power generation spaces overlay with RTCs and Renewable Energy Credits for project developers and what changes policymakers can advance that would aid the development of a hydrogen economy.

In this episode, co-hosts David Wochner (K&L Gates) and Sandi Safro (Edison Electric Institute) talk with K&L Gates partner and former U.S. Coast Guard officer, Luke Reid, about the potential adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source for the maritime sector, and opportunities and challenges the global shipping industry faces as it tries to reduce its emissions profile. The discussion includes consideration of the current regulatory state of play and potential changes to regulation on the horizon that could provide an opening for hydrogen as a marine fuel. Luke also discusses exciting recent maritime hydrogen projects, like Sea Change, which is the first fuel cell vessel in the United States and the first commercial fuel cell passenger ferry in the world.

Andrew Horvath, Global Group Chairman of Australia's Star Scientific, speaks with Hydrogen Rising co-hosts David Wochner and Kelly Davies about the Hydrogen Energy Release Optimiser (HERO®), his company's award-winning, breakthrough catalyst technology. Andrew discusses Star Scientific's vision for the hydrogen future—including opportunities presented by the food industry and data centers, his views on blue hydrogen, developments in Africa, concerns about hydrogen exports, and the need to rethink global energy systems. 

Co-hosts Sandra Safro and David Wochner briefly discuss the U.S. Senate passage of the major infrastructure legislation and its hydrogen provisions, as well as significant news for one of the Hydrogen Rising co-hosts.  This episode also provides a sneak peek into podcast episodes for the rest of the year. 

Hydrogen Rising co-hosts David Wochner and Sandra Safro spend time with Ms. Corine Dubruel, the Vice President for Public Affairs of Plug Power Europe.  Corine discusses the incredible growth of hydrogen across multiple sectors in Europe; “Fit for 55,” the sweeping climate and clean energy package recently released by the European Commission that targets a 55% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels across Europe by 2030; and HYVIA, Plug Power's recently announced joint venture with Renault focused on building out a complete solution for fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles. 

In this episode of Hydrogen Rising, co-hosts David Wochner and Sandi Safro speak with Pawel Piotrowski of K&L Gates' Doha office and Sholto Hanvey of the firm's Dubai office about the potential role that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will play in a global hydrogen economy.  Middle Eastern countries have played critical roles for decades in the energy sector and could do the same for hydrogen as well.  A number of MENA projects promise a scale that could be game changing for the region and the broader hydrogen economy.  This episode explores several of those projects, as well as the regulatory changes that may be necessary to facilitate the development of the hydrogen economy in the region.

In this episode of Hydrogen Rising, co-hosts David Wochner and Sandi Safro talk with Connected DMV's Rick Moore and Matt Erskine about how this self-described “do” tank is working to advance a major hydrogen initiative for the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area, including the establishment of the National Capital Area Hydrogen Center and a Hydrogen “Greenprint.” This discussion is particularly timely in light of emerging developments on Capitol Hill related to hydrogen, including U.S. Senator Joe Manchin's recent introduction of legislation creating a DOE-funded opportunity for four regional hydrogen hubs across the United States.

K&L Gates' government affairs counselor Mary Burke Baker talks with Hydrogen Rising co-host David Wochner about the current state of play on Capitol Hill regarding infrastructure and clean energy legislation, the politics of securing a bipartisan deal, the power of Senator Joe Manchin, and the potential path forward for tax legislation that incentivizes the development of the hydrogen economy.

In part one of a two-part series, K&L Gates' Seattle partner and leader of the firm's Renewable Energy Tax practice, Elizabeth Crouse, speaks with Hydrogen Rising co-host David Wochner about federal tax incentives for hydrogen, including pros and cons related to the 45Q tax credit and a discussion of U.S. Senator Tom Carper's new legislation specifically promoting investments in hydrogen. 

Hydrogen Rising co-hosts Sandra Safro and David Wochner welcome to the podcast Traci Kraus, Director of Government Relations for Cummins Inc., to discuss Cummins’ role in the development of the hydrogen economy, the opportunities and applications Cummins sees on the horizon, and the chances for advancement of the U.S. hydrogen industry on Capitol Hill and in the new Biden Administration.

France was among the first nations to issue a national hydrogen plan and recently has taken significant steps to continue to support the growth of a hydrogen economy. In this episode, Hydrogen Rising co-host Sandi Safro discusses these developments with K&L Gates’ European colleagues Mélanie Bruneau and Antoine de Rohan Chabot, including France’s efforts to increase the use of hydrogen in the transportation sector and the development of regulatory frameworks around certificates of origin and traceability.

K&L Gates environmental partner Alyssa Moir discusses with co-host David Wochner issues associated with water resources and the development of hydrogen at scale, specifically addressing U.S. legal regimes governing water use and possible innovations that could assist hydrogen market developers deal with challenges presented by the huge quantities of water required for green hydrogen. 

In this episode, K&L Gates’ Berlin partner Annette Mutschler-Siebert and Hydrogen Rising co-host Sandi Safro discuss hydrogen developments in Germany, including the shift from the R&D phase to projects.

Co-hosts Sandra Safro and David Wochner welcome to the podcast Paul Gloyer and Tim Lewis of Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories, or GTL, a Tennessee-based technology company working on game-changing solutions in the energy transition -- revolutionizing the emissions-intensive aviation industry through the development of a safe, economic, and efficient means for fueling aircraft with hydrogen.   

K&L Gates San Francisco partner Buck Endemann discusses with Hydrogen Rising host David Wochner the state-of-play for hydrogen in the Golden State, including a discussion about Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent budget proposal and the opportunities for hydrogen under the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

Hydrogen Rising co-hosts Sandra Safro and David Wochner welcome IHS Markit’s Alex Klaessig to the podcast to discuss the color taxonomy of hydrogen and the benefits and challenges that a simplified nomenclature presents.  Alex leads IHS Markit’s Hydrogen and Renewable Gas Forum’s research on fuel cell vehicles and renewable natural gas.

Clive Cachia and Josh Spry talk with host, Sandi Safro, about potential takeaways from LH2 from LNG, as well as the role that Australia may play as a hydrogen exporter.

David Wochner and Sandi Safro discuss the potential to use the mature, robust existing US natural gas pipeline system to transport hydrogen, including current hurdles and possible paths forward.

Laurie Purpuro and David Wochner discuss with host Sandi Safro potential opportunities for development of a US hydrogen economy under a Biden Administration.

Clive Cachia and Betsy-Ann Howe discuss with host David Wochner government incentives programs for and tax considerations impacting foreign investment in the hydrogen industry Down Under.

Eric Sedlak and Sandi Safro explore Japan’s interest in and road map for hydrogen development, as well as concrete steps that Japan is taking.

Bill Holmes, Mike O’Neill, and David Wochner discuss very long duration storage and impacts on hydrogen and broader energy markets, as well as U.S. regulatory structures impacting hydrogen storage.

Lian Yok Tan and Sandra Safro discuss the development of and support for hydrogen projects in Singapore, whether Singapore may serve as a hub in the hydrogen economy, and how hydrogen pricing may evolve as compared to other global energy commodities.  

In this episode of Hydrogen Rising, Giovanni Campi, Francis Iyayi, and David Wochner discuss present and future hydrogen incentives offered within the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Sandra Safro and David Wochner kick-off Hydrogen Rising with a discussion about how hydrogen is on the brink of commercial scale development, highlighting governmental incentives and potential challenges facing the industry.