West Virginia is heading into a time of economic growth and expansion with the creation of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub. This groundbreaking project has the potential to transform the state’s energy landscape, create jobs, and drive economic development for years to come.

West Virginia’s hydrogen hub is a testament to the state’s commitment to innovation and economic development.

ARCH2 was one of only seven hydrogen hubs selected by the U.S. Department of Energy. A hydrogen hub is a network of energy producers, consumers and transportation networks coupled with storage facilities in a specific region. This hub will utilize the state’s abundant natural gas resources to produce clean burning hydrogen that will be used for many purposes, from manufacturing to generating electricity. This system represents a $925 million federal investment in energy production in West Virginia. All of this money must be matched with private investments, so everyone from the federal government to independent business has skin in the game. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of Sen. Joe Manchin.

Although ARCH2 represents a major investment in clean energy production in our state, it is also about job creation. Studies indicate that as many as 20,000 direct and indirect jobs could be created in West Virginia. To say this is a game changer for Almost Heaven is an understatement.

This investment will spur growth in almost every sector of our state’s economy. Union labor will also see a great benefit from this project. Union members around the state will be utilized for the many different projects associated with the hydrogen hub.

As president of Local 141 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I couldn’t be happier about this hydrogen hub. A large portion of the hub will be constructed in the Northern Panhandle and northern West Virginia. Our union brothers and sisters will be busy, and while that is great for us, it’s also great for the communities in the state. Union members throughout West Virginia support local businesses. So much of the money paid out in wages is going to stay right here in West Virginia. We’re going to see a significant economic boom.

As the country and private companies invest in the development of this technology, it will create well-paying jobs that will improve the livelihoods of West Virginia’s residents. This not only helps to retain local talent but also attracts skilled workers from outside the state, bolstering our state’s labor force.

It is important to acknowledge Sen. Manchin’s crucial role in advancing this project. Manchin’s dedication to West Virginia and his understanding of our state’s needs and the nation’s energy industry have been instrumental in securing the necessary support and resources to make the hydrogen hub a reality. His ability to build bipartisan bridges and facilitate cooperation between government, industry, and labor has been essential in overcoming the challenges that a project of this magnitude presents.

The ARCH2 hydrogen hub holds immense promise for the state’s labor force and economic development.

By harnessing the power of hydrogen, West Virginia can secure its position as a leader in the clean energy revolution, while also providing meaningful job opportunities and driving economic growth.

The hydrogen hub is a beacon of hope, not just for the state but for the entire nation, as it demonstrates the transformative potential of innovative, sustainable energy solutions paired with economic expansion and job growth. West Virginia’s journey towards a brighter future has begun, and the possibilities are boundless, thanks to the leadership and dedication of Senator Joe Manchin.

David L. Cantrell of Wheeling is president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 141.