U.S. Hydrogen Deployment in a Shifting Policy Landscape

Synopsis

With the hydrogen industry facing a shift in federal support under the Trump administration, stakeholders must chart a new course to ensure continued momentum and deployment. This session will address how the hydrogen ecosystem can adapt to an uncertain policy environment by leaning into market-driven strategies, unlocking private capital, and building investor confidence. Industry leads, project developers, financiers, and policymakers will examine how to scale infrastructure, stimulate offtake, and enhance bankability despite regulatory headwinds. The conversation will also explore how state-level initiatives, corporate decarbonization goals, and cross-sector collaboration can fill the federal gap and advance the U.S. hydrogen market.

• How can project developers make hydrogen projects more attractive to private investors and commercial lenders in the absence of strong federal incentives?
• What financial structures or models are best suited to mitigate risk and attract capital?
• What does a resilient U.S. hydrogen market look like without DOE leadership?
• What should the industry prioritize in the next 2–3 years to avoid stagnation and ensure continued progress?