With the deadline to submit a statement of intent approaching on Oct. 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET, we want to provide an overview of the clean energy technology areas and eligible components that are part of the Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize’s Facilities Track. These include hydrogen, grid updates, carbon capture and storage, and long-duration energy storage. 

 

This first post discusses hydrogen.

 

Why Do We Need Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is not only the most abundant element in the universe; it is also the lightest and most plentiful gas. Because hydrogen is easy to transport and store, it is a promising energy carrier and can be used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power vehicles. 

 

The global market for hydrogen is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as the country and the world race to meet decarbonization goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Pathways to Commercial Liftoff report on clean hydrogen predicts that demand for hydrogen could reach 10 million metric tons per year by 2030—that's about the weight of 10 Eiffel Towers—and 50 million metric tons per year by 2050—or about 50 Eiffel Towers.

 

How Can We Ramp Up Clean Hydrogen Production?

To achieve our clean energy goals—and capitalize on growing domestic and international hydrogen markets—we, as a nation, need the entire U.S. clean hydrogen supply chain to scale rapidly. 

 

That’s where the MAKE IT Prize comes in. 

 

To meet the demands of a growing hydrogen market, the country will need to rapidly manufacture necessary components, and extract, refine, and/or recycle materials required for the increased hydrogen production and usage. 

 

Through the Facilities Track, teams will work to bolster the domestic hydrogen supply chain by accelerating the development of the following:

  • Facilities to extract and process raw materials for electrolyzer and hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing.
  • Precision manufactured subcomponents for electrolyzers and fuel cells and facilities for electrolyzer and fuel cell assembly.
  • Optimized balance-of-plant components for electrolyzers, including compressors and power electrionics.
  • Production capacity for hydrogen-specific infrastructure, including tube trailers and supplies for storage and distribution systems.

 

Competitors can learn more about eligible components in the prize’s official rules document.

 

How Can You Help?

There are many uses for hydrogen, from generating electricity to powering shipping and heavy-duty transportation. But current demand for fuel cells is expected to significantly exceed global supplies unless we increase domestic production.

 

That is why we need your help. Help catalyze domestic manufacturing of critical clean energy components so we can meet our decarbonization goals and maximize associated benefits.   

 

Learn more and apply to compete in the MAKE IT Prize’s Facilities Track by 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 18, 2023.