2024 in Review: Securing California’s Clean Energy Future

As we close out 2024, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with meaningful progress, collaboration, and impact. ARCHES has remained committed to advancing equitable solutions, driving innovation, and empowering underrepresented communities, and this year was no exception.

A Landmark Achievement: This year, ARCHES signed a  $12.6 billion agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy as California’s Hydrogen Hub—an unprecedented investment that cements our state’s leadership in clean energy and supports economic development, job creation, and climate action.

In August, we celebrated this milestone by hosting  Governor Newsom, Senator Padilla, Department of Energy Under Secretary Crane, and many other state and local leaders to mark the launch of California’s first Hydrogen Hub. This event highlighted the critical role of partnership in building a sustainable and equitable future. Read more here.

Transformative Impact

ARCHES’ broader impact on the state economy and local health will include:

• Job Creation: ARCHES projects are expected to generate 220,000 jobs across various sectors, including renewable energy development, infrastructure construction, logistics, and advanced technology.
• Health Benefits: At full build out , the ARCHES Hydrogen system will provide approximately $2.95 billion annually in health-related economic benefits, such as fewer hospitalizations and reduced healthcare costs (these benefits will grow with hydrogen market expansion).
• Community Impact: Around 40% of the total benefits, roughly $380 million, will be directed to local communities through investments focused on workforce development, family-supporting jobs, and community-driven projects.

2024 was filled with milestones. From supporting the next generation of innovators at the Hydrogen Grand Prix Race in Anaheim, to celebrating ARCHES as a finalist for the Platts Global Energy Awards in New York City, to touring the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and seeing firsthand the promise of clean energy infrastructure—this past year exemplified progress and promise in advancing out mission.

Voices in support of ARCHES are building.

Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan opined in the Oakland Post about how hydrogen technology offers a path to cleaner air and economic growth by reducing pollution in underserved communities and creating jobs.

Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey, the founder of the THINKWATTS Foundation, wrote in the L.A. Sentinel about how initiatives like ARCHES empower California’s disadvantaged communities through clean energy, workforce development, and economic opportunities while addressing pollution and health disparities.

Together, we:
✅ Secured $12.6 billion to drive clean energy innovation and workforce development across California.
✅ Celebrated the Hydrogen Hub launch with key leaders and stakeholders, marking a new era for clean energy solutions.
✅ Engaged communities and partners across California driving meaningful conversations and action for a sustainable future through over XX community working group meetings, tabling at community events, and more!

✅ Released a white paper on transportation and a policy paper on the potential of biomass in hydrogen production [AJ1] 

✅ Released an RFI on ARCHES’ Truck and Bus Deployment Strategyto solicit feedback from OEMs, Fleets, and Station Providers to help ensure our system is structured to enable hydrogen fuel cells to directly compete with diesel.[AJ2] 

Looking Ahead to 2025

These achievements are a testament to what we can achieve when we come together. ARCHES is deeply grateful for the dedication of our partners, supporters, and community members who make this work possible.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are energized to build on this momentum— announcing projects, expanding our programs, deepening community partnerships, and ensuring that clean energy investments uplift all Californians.

Thank you for being an essential part of the ARCHES community. Together, we’re paving the way toward a cleaner, more equitable future.

Wishing you a joyful and restful end to the year. – Team ARCHES

Support Our Work in 2025 (link: https://archesh2.org/contact/)