Bill Overview
Title: Hydrogen for Industry Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish grant programs to support the use of hydrogen in energy. Specifically, DOE must establish a grant program for projects that demonstrate the uses of hydrogen in heavy industry (e.g., steel, cement, glass, and chemical manufacturing). It also directs DOE to establish a grant program for (1) carrying out projects that demonstrate the end uses of hydrogen; (2) constructing a new commercial-scale facility that will use hydrogen as a fuel or feedstock; or (3) retooling, retrofitting, or expanding an existing facility to enable the use of hydrogen as a fuel or feedstock in industrial end-use applications of hydrogen.
Sponsors: Rep. Doyle, Michael F. [D-PA-18]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals employed in heavy industries (steel, cement, glass, chemical, etc.) and related sectors
Estimated Size: 15000000
- The bill targets the heavy industry sector by promoting hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.
- Heavy industries such as steel, cement, glass, and chemical manufacturing are explicitly listed as beneficiaries.
- These industries employ a large number of people globally, which means a significant number of workers will be impacted directly by the transition.
- By promoting hydrogen use, the bill aims to support industries in reducing carbon emissions, affecting environmental policies and compliance globally.
- Transition to hydrogen can create new jobs related to the production, distribution, and maintenance of hydrogen technologies and infrastructures.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly affects individuals in the heavy industry sector, both directly employed and in associated support roles.
- Consideration of the policy's impact on environmental sustainability and potential regulatory compliance gives an indirect influence on the general public's well-being.
- Some people may see increased job security or creation due to policy implementation, particularly in steel, cement, glass, and chemical manufacturing.
- There may be people who experience little to no change, particularly those not directly linked to the affected sectors.
- Budget limitations imply focusing on projects and regions with the highest potential impact and economic benefit.
Simulated Interviews
Steel factory worker (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a good move to keep our industry competitive and reduce our environmental impact.
- I am concerned about the stability during the transition period.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Chemical plant technician (Baton Rouge, LA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean extra training and job opportunities for us.
- It may take a few years to feel the real impact, but it's a step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Automobile manufacturing manager (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think other industries can learn from automotive innovations in hydrogen use.
- Hope to see cost reductions and efficiency improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Environmental engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's great to see industrial shifts, but scalability is key.
- Hydrogen should be a part of our broader sustainability goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Manufacturing plant owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Switching to hydrogen could benefit us long term.
- The initial investment and logistics are a bit daunting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Supply chain manager (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The shift to hydrogen is an opportunity for better logistics management.
- It could revamp how we approach supply chain issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Glass factory worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If hydrogen can cut costs and make us greener, I'm all for it.
- I'm not sure how soon we'll see these changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Energy sector policy advisor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is pivotal for industrial decarbonization.
- It aligns with the global move towards cleaner fuels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Urban planner (New York, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Integrating hydrogen into industries is vital for future city planning.
- We must be prepared for new infrastructure changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired cement factory supervisor (Kansas City, MO)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although retired, I'm hopeful that hydrogen will improve our practice's reputation.
- A bit concerned about job losses for current workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $620000000 (Low: $520000000, High: $720000000)
Year 3: $640000000 (Low: $540000000, High: $740000000)
Year 5: $680000000 (Low: $580000000, High: $780000000)
Year 10: $750000000 (Low: $650000000, High: $850000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1100000000)
Key Considerations
- The cost of hydrogen production and its competitive advantage over other energy sources.
- Coordination with industry to ensure projects selected for grants can deliver measurable results.
- Evaluation of environmental impacts and how they can be mitigated or reversed.
- Need for additional policies or incentives to support industry adjustment.
- The capacity of the current hydrogen infrastructure to meet increased demand.