CERPA Releases New White Paper on Hydrogen Potential in Wyoming

The Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis (CERPA) at the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER) published a new white paper study that provides a comprehensive report on the potential markets, economics, and policies associated with commercial-scale deployment of hydrogen in Wyoming.

 

Authored by Esther Wagner, a senior research professional in CERPA, along with Dawson Kleusner, director of external affairs at the Wyoming Association of Municipalities, the paper contains an in-depth analysis of potential markets for Wyoming hydrogen and potential jobs and economic benefits, as well as policy recommendations and incentives to support the state’s efforts to become a competitive hydrogen provider.

 

“With the demand for hydrogen expected to grow dramatically in the future, there are several positive aspects to developing a hydrogen economy in Wyoming,” says Wagner. “It would allow the state to play a role in meeting future hydrogen demand, while building upon the use of its vast natural resources, such as natural gas and coal, and providing an additional source of economic benefit and job creation.”

 

Wyoming is strategically positioned to expand its hydrogen economy. The state already utilizes hydrogen extensively in key sectors, providing a solid base for growth, and is poised to bolster the existing fossil fuel industry by providing new, long-term commercial pathways for natural gas and coal. The anticipated increase in demand creates a strong business case for developing innovative, in-state hydrogen production capabilities.

 

The paper also includes in its analysis detailed descriptions of existing legal and regulatory frameworks associated with hydrogen production, transportation, and storage.

 

“Wyoming has significant opportunities to expand and diversify our existing hydrogen economy, despite the inherently complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding hydrogen use, transport and storage,” says CERPA Director Matt Fry. “Capitalizing on its existing regulatory framework, Wyoming can attract investment and support the deployment of hydrogen projects using our well-established permitting processes.”

 

The paper concludes that as energy markets continue to evolve, it will be important for Wyoming to stay engaged and continue innovating to maintain a competitive advantage as an energy leader.

 

“The key takeaway from this work is that Wyoming is well-positioned to develop existing and emerging hydrogen technologies that will create an excellent opportunity to add value to the traditional energy resources that we have produced for decades,” adds Fry. “This is an exciting opportunity for the State to generate additional revenue from these commodities rather than being beholden to external markets that often present challenges, which are outside of our control.”

 

To download the paper, research brief, as well as other resources released by CERPA, visit the website www.uwyo.edu/cerpa.

 

About CERPA

The Center for Energy Regulation & Policy Analysis at the School of Energy Resources is dedicated to producing meaningful, high-quality, impartial analysis to inform policymakers and stakeholders about issues critical to the economic development of Wyoming’s energy resources. Through collaboration with other SER Centers of Excellence, CERPA addresses emerging policy and regulatory issues by fostering the exchange of information and engages with stakeholders to inform various audiences about the importance of Wyoming’s energy resources.