GREENVILLE, USA (September 26, 2024) — Today, GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) has selected the company to lead a project aimed at facilitating permitting and ensuring safety in hydrogen deployments. The primary goal is to address challenges related to siting, permitting, and installation, covering the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to end-use applications. The “H₂Net” project, led by GE Vernova, brings together Clemson University and Roper Mountain Science Center, based in Greenville, SC. GE Vernova is entering negotiations with the DOE for a $1 million federal funding agreement to define the project’s scope and terms.
As part of the H₂Net program, the team will develop an AI-based tool, named HySAGE (Hydrogen Smart Assistant for Governance Execution), which will be specially trained to handle critical documents for safe H₂ operations and regulatory approvals. The tool will undergo validation at GE Vernova’s Gas Turbine Manufacturing and Technology Center in Greenville, SC. HySAGE will incorporate advanced modeling capabilities and ensure compliance with environmental scenarios, relevant standards, and codes, offering enhanced flexibility and precision in the permitting process.
“These investments in clean hydrogen reflect the Administration’s commitment to fostering a future powered by zero-carbon energy while generating substantial economic benefits nationwide,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This initiative will complement other groundbreaking hydrogen projects, like the Hydrogen Hubs and new electrolysis technologies, further driving the clean hydrogen economy, delivering high-quality jobs, and rejuvenating American manufacturing.”
Dr. Sunita Satyapal, director of DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, emphasized the importance of technological progress for hydrogen infrastructure: “The success of clean hydrogen hubs depends heavily on technological advancements, which will unlock hydrogen’s economic potential. Simultaneously, as we expand hydrogen infrastructure, it’s crucial to streamline the siting and permitting process to ensure safety and efficiency. These projects will support the Administration’s larger hydrogen investments and help us move toward a cleaner energy landscape.”
“We’re honored to support the DOE’s mission to reduce CO₂ emissions and accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon economy,” said Jeremee Wetherby, Carbon Solutions Leader at GE Vernova. “Our project will harness the power of AI to explore innovative, safe solutions for hydrogen deployment, while offering valuable training opportunities to both the workforce and the community. We’re also excited to collaborate with Clemson University and Roper Mountain Science Center, whose expertise in AI applications and K-12 science education will be instrumental in achieving project success.”
Clemson University’s Dr. Xiaoyong (Brian) Yuan, Assistant Professor in the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Our partnership with GE Vernova will leverage our knowledge in AI and language models to overcome technical barriers and facilitate the safe deployment of hydrogen technologies.”
Michael Weeks, Director of Roper Mountain Science Center, added: “We are thrilled to bring the next generation of workers into the world of hydrogen energy through hands-on educational programs. This investment will support our goal of educating for a more sustainable future.”
About GE Vernova
GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a global energy company focusing on Power, Wind, and Electrification, supported by its accelerator businesses. With over 130 years of experience addressing global challenges, GE Vernova is committed to leading the energy transition by advancing electrification while simultaneously working to decarbonize the planet. The company’s innovations help deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, vital to the well-being and prosperity of communities worldwide. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and employs over 75,000 people across more than 100 countries. The company is driven by its purpose: “The Energy to Change the World.” GE Vernova’s Gas Power division is a leader in natural gas-powered technologies and services, boasting an installed base of around 7,000 gas turbines globally.
GE Vernova’s name reflects its mission—“GE” symbolizes its rich heritage, while “Ver” (from “verde,” meaning green) represents its commitment to sustainability, and “Nova” (from Latin “novus”) signals a new era of innovative, low-carbon energy solutions.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document includes forward-looking statements that address future events with varying levels of uncertainty. These statements often discuss GE Vernova’s anticipated business and financial performance, including product performance and service impacts, using terms such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “will,” “estimate,” “forecast,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve uncertainties, such as potential future investments or projects, the impact of macroeconomic conditions on business operations, and market volatility, all of which may influence the company’s future performance.
Disclaimer
This report was prepared as part of a project sponsored by a U.S. Government agency. The U.S. Government and its agencies do not provide warranties or assume legal liability for the accuracy or usefulness of the information presented here, nor does mention of specific products or services imply endorsement.