Clean Hydrogen Program
California Energy Commission
What does it fund?
The Clean Hydrogen Program provides financial incentives to eligible projects in California for the demonstration or scale-up of the production, processing, delivery, storage, or end use of clean hydrogen. For the purposes of this program, clean hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced from water using eligible renewable energy resources, as defined in Section 399.12 of the California Public Utilities Code, or produced from these renewable energy resources.
Who is eligible for funds?
Funding opportunities are open to public and private entities in California. All demonstration sites must be in California
How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?
Projects may result in localized decrease in criteria air pollutants and improved air quality by reducing and avoiding the use of fossil fuels. Projects may also provide direct cost savings for hydrogen fuel and increased access to clean hydrogen fuel. Projects will create and retain jobs through development, construction, operations, and maintenance, leading to economic growth and workforce development within the hydrogen industry.
How do I access funds?
Applications are considered for grant funding opportunities through competitive solicitations.
Funding timeline
The Clean Hydrogen Program has an active solicitation open now until January 2, 2025, GFO-22-903 - Cost Share for Federal Funding Opportunities Clean Hydrogen Program, which provides cost share funding for eligible projects to applicants that apply for and receive an award under an eligible federal opportunity. Project start dates are expected to align with the federal funding agency's timeline.
The Clean Hydrogen Program previously announced two solicitations: Large-Scale Centralized Clean Hydrogen Production (H2CENTRAL) and Distributed Clean Hydrogen Production with Onsite End Use (H2ONSITE). These solicitations are expected to be released in Quarter 3 or 4 of 2025. Projects are expected to start in the first half of 2026. Updates for these programs will be found on CEC’s Clean Hydrogen Program website or by subscribing to the program’s notifications.
Cumulative Statistics
This is a new program and has not yet implemented any GGRF funds.