GUIDE-H2 Prize

The Guiding Universal Indicators in Developing Ecosystems for Hydrogen (GUIDE-H2) competition invites competitors to develop and apply robust analytic methods to commercial-scale hydrogen deployment projects.

GUIDE-H2 aims to address a key challenge facing many commercial-scale hydrogen projects: delays or cancellations due to the lack of tools, training, and local support in assessing and optimizing deployments for maximum positive impact. Consistent, universally understandable indicators that can help guide deployments and accelerate progress while enabling long term sustainability can provide significant value.

GUIDE-H2 will increase practitioner experience developing and applying robust analytic methods to systematically assess the benefits and impacts of hydrogen deployment projects. As a result, it will incentivize sharing of best practices, enable transparency and optimization, and enhance the economic, social, and environmental benefits of hydrogen deployments – contributing to increased likelihood of project success. Outcomes can be used in hydrogen workforce development efforts, particularly based on experiential technical training and education.

Up to $200,000 is available from HFTO in awards to competing teams for two Phases. Phase I teams (up to six winners planned at $10K each) will submit reports summarizing an approach and methodology to comprehensively assess a commercial-scale hydrogen deployment project. Phase I winners will be allowed to compete in Phase II, where they will apply the proposed approach and develop a full project assessment, resulting in training tools, lessons learned and best-practice guidance to inform future assessments (three winners planned at $20K, $40K, $80K).

Diverse stakeholders including project developers, end users, communities, and investors will benefit by the hands-on application of assessment tools and resulting guidance and best practices through the GUIDE-H2 competition. This initiative supports deliverables under the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force (HIT) in support of the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. GUIDE-H2 also supports the H2 Twin Cities program, launched by the Clean Energy Ministerial’s (CEM) Hydrogen Initiative, and will serve as a pilot that could be further developed and shared through CEM and other international partners. Results will be shared with H2 Twin Cities winners – and globally – to help build strong ties and a community of practice for leaders and implementers from diverse regions, industry, government, and other stakeholders to accelerate successful hydrogen deployments and user acceptance.

Who Can Compete 

The competition is open only to individuals; private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); non-federal government entities such as states, counties, tribes, and municipalities; and academic institutions; subject to the following requirements. While international collaboration is encouraged, the lead applicant must be a U.S. entity to receive DOE funds. See Eligibility and Competitors section in the official rules for more information on eligibility.

Awards:-

Prize Structure

Phase I:

• Up to six winners will be chosen and receive up to $10,000 in cash awards each
• Competitors will submit reports summarizing an approach and methodology to comprehensively assess a commercial-scale hydrogen deployment project.
• Deadline: June 30, 2025

Phase 2: 

• Up to three winners will  be chosen receiving $80,000 (first place), $40,000 (second place), and $20,000 (third place), respectively
• Phase I winners are eligible to compete in Phase II
• Competitors will apply the proposed approach and develop a full project assessment, resulting in training tools, lessons learned and best-practice guidance to inform future assessments

Deadline:- 22-04-2026

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