US Hydrogen Industry at Odds Over Tax Credit Rules
May 1, 2024
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Discussion on US hydrogen tax credit rules and their impact on green hydrogen production. Panelists debate if rules hinder or help investment. Lack of demand incentives in US compared to EU. Role of nuclear in hydrogen sector's future highlighted.
Draft guidance for US hydrogen production tax credit aims to boost decarbonization and energy security.
US lacking demand incentives compared to EU impacts green hydrogen production potential.
Deep dives
Draft Guidance for US Hydrogen Production Tax Credit
The draft guidance for the US hydrogen production tax credit aims to promote decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors and enhance energy security. It introduces criteria such as hourly matching between clean energy production and power consumption, which some view positively but others find excessive, potentially discouraging investment in green hydrogen production.
Controversial Shifts in America's Green Hydrogen Landscape
The podcast features a discussion from a BNF summit in New York where industry experts debated the impact of the 45V tax credit draft guidance on green hydrogen production. Views varied on whether strict rules overlooked hydrogen adoption and comparisons to Europe were made, highlighting differing demand side incentives.
Importance of Nuclear Industry in Hydrogen Production
The discussion also delves into the importance of nuclear power in hydrogen production. The nuclear industry seeks benefits through hydrogen production, but faces challenges with the additionality clause impacting access to clean hydrogen credits. Exemptions for nuclear power plants could aid in long-term revenue streams and decarbonization efforts.
US Demand-Side Incentives for Hydrogen Production
The conversation emphasizes the significance of demand-side incentives in driving the hydrogen industry forward. Contrasting with Europe's robust incentives, the US is exploring a modest one billion dollar incentive. Broader support for demand-side initiatives could boost the industry and enhance competitiveness globally.
As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, draft guidance for the US hydrogen production tax credit was introduced in December 2023, with the aim of promoting decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors and enhancing energy security in the country. While some applauded the draft guidance for preventing greenwashing and driving real decarbonization, others view these requirements as excessive, and fear they could potentially discourage investment in green hydrogen production.
On today’s show, BNEF’s head of hydrogen research, Martin Tengler, hosts a conversation on hydrogen production in the US, with panelists Kathleen Barron, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Constellation; Claire Behar, Chief Commercial Officer at Hy Stor Energy; Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe; and Andy Vesey, President and Chief Executive Officer at Fortescue North America. They discuss whether the tax credit rules are helping or hurting green hydrogen production in the US, the lack of demand incentives compared with the EU, and the role that nuclear could play in the hydrogen sector’s future.
Today’s episode was recorded live at the BNEF Summit New York. To learn more about BNEF’s Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://about.bnef.com/summit/