The Louisiana Clean Hydrogen Task Force, led by State Rep. Joseph Orgeron, recently convened at the state Capitol to explore the state’s potential in the emerging clean hydrogen industry.
As Louisiana Illuminator reports, the state is the second-largest hydrogen producer in the U.S., and is seen by many industry advocates as strategically positioned to leverage its resources and expertise in this growing market.
During the meeting, Orgeron emphasized the importance of maintaining Louisiana’s leadership in hydrogen production as the global market expands, stating, “I wanted to do this task force to assure that we keep our primacy for Louisiana … as the rest of the clean hydrogen market rises in the global market around us.”
The task force, comprising representatives from key state departments, energy companies like Entergy and Shell PLC, and LSU, aims to develop strategies for expanding hydrogen production. Mark Zappi, executive director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana, highlighted the state’s potential to lead not only in hydrogen use but also in manufacturing the necessary equipment for a global market.
“I think Louisiana is extremely well positioned,” Zappi said, “so I applaud this panel and for our state to be getting way ahead of the curve, hopefully, and ensuring we become one of the hydrogen capitals of the world.”
Despite its promise as a zero-emission fuel, hydrogen faces challenges such as high production costs and storage issues. Green hydrogen, derived from renewable sources, remains costly compared to other fuels, with production costs ranging from $4 to $6.50 per kilogram. The U.S. Department of Energy aims to reduce this cost to $1 per kilogram over the next decade.
The task force plans to present recommendations to the governor and Legislature by December 2025, with a progress report due in March 2025. Louisiana Illuminator has the full story.
