BNSF, Bakken Energy to collaborate on design of clean hydrogen hub

Clean energy producer Bakken Energy yesterday announced it signed a memorandum of understanding with BNSF Railway Co. to work together on the design of the proposed Heartland Hydrogen Hub.

In collaboration with the states of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin, Bakken Energy is developing a clean hydrogen hub, which will be located in North Dakota. The project will compete for federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy's $7 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, Bakken Energy officials said in a press release.

The foundation of the industry-led Hub is Bakken Energy’s large-scale affordable clean hydrogen production using natural gas that would otherwise be flared, including carbon capture and sequestration.

Railroads such as BNSF could play a critical role in distributing clean hydrogen production, as well as consumers as trains transition from diesel, said Bakken Energy officials.

"Part of the equation is production, but the other part is distribution, and that’s where BNSF will be invaluable. Being able to transport our hydrogen by rail would dramatically reduce our distribution costs and therefore the cost to consumers," said Bakken Energy CEO Mike Hopkins.

BNSF's involvement with the effort fits its "commitment to a more sustainable energy and transportation system, including exploring the role railways can play in a hydrogen economy," said John Lovenburg, BNSF vice president of environment and sustainability.