Replies to post #47802 on Plug Power Inc (PLUG)

[scubastevemd]

Heard Andy but in a 'plug' for the tax credit extension and $3\kg tax credit. Seems FERC in hurting gas pipelines with regulation would also potentially hurt us since we would be blending with gas and new pipelines are hard to get approved. Andy said Pipelines are the most economical way to transport H2. Williams suggesting changes to FERC to make it possible to transport H2. Seems we will be tied to Nat. gas in a symbiotic relationship.

[WeTheMarket]

Summary of this morning Senate Committee hearing. Repost from FCEL board courtesy of Maximilliano.

Just finished listening and a few notable points are as follows:

4 experts were present to answer questions: Andy Marsh of Plug, University of Wyoming CCUS expert, Williams & Co Pipeline representative, and a Regulatory Attorney.

1/ Federal regulatory burdens imposed by FERC and Natural Gas Act greatly hinder projects getting done.

2/ Williams and Co representative said while a pipeline costs $1million per mile, the permitting process (taking 5 years) brings the cost per mile to $20 million. Williams and Co move 30% of US daily natural gas through their pipelines.

3/ Hydrogen pipelines require a different steel than natural gas pipelines, as the hydrogen molecules are smaller and more prone to causing corrosion

4/ Existing natural gas pipelines can accommodate hydrogen if blended with natural gas or biogas up to 20% hydrogen or natural gas pipelines can be coated to transport hydrogen in greater percentages.

5/ Andy Marsh of Plug emphasized twice the importance of blue hydrogen when speaking of the benefits of green hydrogen which Plug uses.

6/ The hydrogen hubs were discussed at great length and how hydrogen production could occur in the various situations present in the US. For example, Alaska has areas that have no pipelines yet are natural gas rich so CCUS and transportation of hydrogen is key there.

7/ Recommendations were given to streamline the regulation process because it was acknowledged that the hydrogen roadmap can be designed now...but what's the point if the regulation process prevents it from ever being built. The environmentalists are opposed to hydrogen produced through any means, even water. Congress needs to act, passing bills that address tax incentives, regulatory reform, and comprehensive measures that will make the US energy secure.

8/ The DOE needs to get going and begin releasing the $9.5 billion that was appropriated through the bi-partisan infrastructure bill.

9/ At the end the four panelists were asked to give their opinion of what is the most important thing that can be done to get the hydrogen infrastructure going.

All said investment tax credits, production tax credits, 45Q for CCUS increased to $85 per ton (presently $50 ton). ( I believe I read somewhere Exxon is lobbying for $100 a ton.)

*****************************
Manchin of W. Virginia and Barraso of Wyoming are Chairman and Co-chairman of the Committee of Energy and Natural Resources. Both states are rich in coal and natural gas.

The Senators recognize the transition to clean energy will not happen overnight, but will happen over time, through a process of innovation, utilizing the technology and infrastructure currently in place, with hydrogen production created by wind and solar, and coal and natural gas combined with CCUS.