MOU-Hydrogen Commentary and Summary

This MOU is between the following organizations:

• National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (NTESS),
• Triad National Security, LLC (Triad), comprising Battelle Memorial Institute, The Texas A&M University System and the University of California.
• New Mexico Economic Development Department (NM EDD),
• New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (NM EMNRD),
• New Mexico Environment Department (NM ED).

The MOU is focussed on the science, technologies and policy impacts of hydrogen as it relates to areas of shared interest. Policy impacts include, but are not limited to, climate, economy, energy, environment, equity, research, water, and the workforce. There is a focus on test-bed models for hydrogen production and carbon capture and sequestration.

Specific areas of cooperation are:

• Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Generation from Methane and Biomass [methane] and Carbon Capture and Sequestration
• Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Generation using Concentrating Solar Thermochemical Methods
• Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Generation from Brackish and Saline Waters
• Large-Scale Hydrogen Storage
• Hydrogen Distribution
• Production of Carbon-neutral Alternatives to Petroleum-based Products (i.e. bio-sourced chemicals instead of petro-sourced chemicals)
• Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO2.
• Fit for Purpose End Use Applications (unexplained)
• Safety, Codes and Standards (for hydrogen handling)
• Monitoring (for safety and emissions)
• Lifecycle Analysis of Zero Carbon Hydrogen Emissions (including legal issues)

Lead coordinators will be designated for this work but the MOU doesn't say how. No money is to be provided to fund any of the work and all work will fall under existing contracts with the national labs.