Advancing clean energy and opportunity
Hydrogen hubs represent the next chapter in clean energy innovation. By leveraging advanced technologies, we’re turning economic challenges into opportunities, creating high-quality union jobs and addressing long-standing environmental concerns. From improved air quality to lasting infrastructure, the impact is real and immediate.
These projects are creating jobs and advancing sustainability across the region
West Virginia, Pittsburgh and surrounding communities: Economic and environmental transformation
Hydrogen hubs in West Virginia and Pittsburgh are game changers for regional growth and sustainability. These areas, historically reliant on coal and heavy industry, are now poised to lead the clean energy revolution. By integrating hydrogen production and infrastructure, these hubs offer a pathway to revitalized economies and improved environmental conditions.
Economic revitalization
Hydrogen hubs are bringing life back to industries that have suffered from economic shifts. Thousands of union construction and operations jobs are being created, supporting local families and businesses.
Cleaner communities
Transitioning to hydrogen reduces emissions from energy production, improving air quality and addressing public health concerns in historically polluted regions.
Infrastructure upgrades
Leveraging existing pipelines and industrial sites minimizes costs and maximizes efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint of new construction.
Advanced technology
With competitive wages, job security and benefits such as employer-provided health insurance (only 69% of non-union workers have healthcare compared to union workers), union carpenters help sustain the middle class, lifting families and entire communities into greater economic stability.
These initiatives are transforming communities and paving the way for a cleaner future
Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware: Job creation and infrastructure renewal
In the mid-Atlantic region, hydrogen hubs are setting the stage for significant economic and infrastructural progress. These areas are strategically positioned to become leaders in the hydrogen economy due to their proximity to major industries and populations.
Union jobs for the future
The hubs will create thousands of high-paying, skilled jobs for union members, offering training programs and apprenticeships to prepare the workforce for tomorrow’s challenges.
Energy security
Hydrogen hubs in this region will ensure a steady clean-energy supply, reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels and stabilizing energy grids.
Environmental equity
The project prioritizes underserved communities, ensuring the benefits of cleaner energy and economic opportunity reach those who need them most.
Repurposing existing infrastructure
By upgrading industrial facilities and pipelines, the region can capitalize on existing assets while minimizing costs and disruptions.
How clean hydrogen supports climate goals and reduces emissions
Clean hydrogen is revolutionizing the global energy landscape, emerging as a critical player in the fight against climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen can power industrial processes, transportation and energy grids without emitting greenhouse gases. As governments and industries work to meet net-zero emissions targets, clean hydrogen provides a versatile and scalable solution for decarbonizing the most challenging sectors.
Key benefits
Zero carbon emissions during use
Clean hydrogen, such as green hydrogen, produces only water as a byproduct when used in fuel cells or combustion, making it an ideal energy source for reducing carbon footprints across industries.
Decarbonizing heavy industries
Hard-to-abate sectors such as steel manufacturing, cement production and petrochemicals can replace fossil fuels with hydrogen, significantly reducing their emissions. For example, hydrogen can serve as a high-temperature heat source or a feedstock in production processes.
Reducing emissions in transportation
Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles are particularly suited for long-haul trucking, shipping and aviation, where battery/electric alternatives face challenges such as weight and range limitations. This makes hydrogen essential for transforming the transportation sector.
Supporting renewable energy integration
Hydrogen acts as an energy carrier, storing excess renewable energy generated by wind and solar. This stored energy can be used during periods of low renewable generation, stabilizing energy grids and ensuring a continuous clean energy supply.
Addressing energy equity
By reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels, clean hydrogen can improve air quality in heavily industrialized or underserved regions, addressing health disparities and promoting environmental justice.
Driving innovation and economic growth
Hydrogen hubs are fostering advancements in electrolyzer technology, carbon capture and storage solutions, driving down costs and creating new markets for clean energy products. This innovation also supports job creation in construction, engineering and manufacturing.
A global commitment
Countries worldwide, including the United States, are investing heavily in clean hydrogen infrastructure to meet climate goals. Initiatives such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Shot aim to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen production, making it competitive with traditional energy sources. Clean hydrogen is more than an energy source; it is a bridge to a sustainable future. By addressing climate challenges, fostering economic growth and improving environmental equity, hydrogen represents a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition.
7 reasons union labor will improve hydrogen hubs for everyone
- 1
Zero carbon emissions during use: Clean hydrogen, such as green hydrogen, produces only water as a byproduct when used in fuel cells or combustion, making it an ideal energy source for reducing carbon footprints across industries.
- 2Decarbonizing heavy industries: Hard-to-abate sectors such as steel manufacturing, cement production and petrochemicals can replace fossil fuels with hydrogen, significantly reducing their emissions. For example, hydrogen can serve as a high-temperature heat source or a feedstock in production processes.
- 3Reducing emissions in transportation: Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles are particularly suited for long-haul trucking, shipping and aviation, where battery/electric alternatives face challenges such as weight and range limitations. This makes hydrogen essential for transforming the transportation sector.
- 4Supporting renewable energy integration: Hydrogen acts as an energy carrier, storing excess renewable energy generated by wind and solar. This stored energy can be used during periods of low renewable generation, stabilizing energy grids and ensuring a continuous clean energy supply.
- 5Addressing energy equity: By reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels, clean hydrogen can improve air quality in heavily industrialized or underserved regions, addressing health disparities and promoting environmental justice.
- 6Driving innovation and economic growth: Hydrogen hubs are fostering advancements in electrolyzer technology, carbon capture and storage solutions, driving down costs and creating new markets for clean energy products. This innovation also supports job creation in construction, engineering and manufacturing.
- 7A global commitment: Countries worldwide, including the United States, are investing heavily in clean hydrogen infrastructure to meet climate goals. Initiatives such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Shot aim to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen production, making it competitive with traditional energy sources. Clean hydrogen is more than an energy source; it is a bridge to a sustainable future. By addressing climate challenges, fostering economic growth and improving environmental equity, hydrogen represents a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition.
How unions are committing to diversifying the construction industry
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC) exemplifies this commitment through several key programs. Click any program below to learn more.
Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB)
Established in 1998, SIB is a program dedicated to increasing female participation in carpentry. It offers networking events, training sessions and mentorship opportunities, enabling women to connect and advance in their careers. SIB committees actively participate in local union meetings and volunteer projects, ensuring that women’s issues are integral to union discussions.
Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP)
CARP focuses on recruiting and training individuals from historically underrepresented groups, including women and people of color. The program provides essential skills and knowledge, preparing participants for successful careers in carpentry. Notably, CARP has initiated all-female cohorts to support women entering the trade.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training
EASRCC has developed an online DEI training program for union carpenters and signatory contractors. This training educates members on strategies to grow the union through a more diverse workforce and emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has highlighted the need for a more representative construction workforce, noting that women and certain racial and ethnic groups remain underrepresented in the industry. Efforts to address these disparities include promoting equitable employment opportunities and implementing targeted recruitment strategies. Through these comprehensive programs and collaborations, unions such as EASRCC are making significant strides toward a more diverse and inclusive construction industry, benefiting workers and communities alike.
Resources for exploring hydrogen energy
Hydrogen hubs are transforming how we think about clean energy and economic growth. To fully understand their potential, it’s important to explore the policies, technologies and partnerships driving this movement. Below are some key resources that highlight the role of hydrogen in shaping a sustainable future.