RENEWABLE HYDROGEN ENERGY.

SEC. 2026. RENEWABLE HYDROGEN ENERGY. (a) Program Direction.— The Secretary shall conduct a 5-year program, in accordance with sections 3001 and 3002 of this Act, on renewable hydrogen energy systems. Such program shall be conducted in accordance with the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–566), to supplement ongoing activities of a similar nature at the Department of Energy, including— (1) at least one program to generate hydrogen from renewable energy sources; (2) at least one program to assess the feasibility of existing natural gas pipelines carrying hydrogen gas, including experimentation if needed, with a goal of determining those components of the natural gas distribution system that would have to be modified to carry— (A) more than 20 percent hydrogen mixed with natural gas; and (B) pure hydrogen gas; (3) at least one program to develop a hydrogen storage system suitable for electric motor vehicles powered by fuel cells, with emphasis on— (A) improved metal hydride hydrogen storage; (B) activated carbon-based hydrogen storage; (C) high pressure compressed hydrogen; or (D) other novel hydrogen storage techniques; (4) at least one program to develop a fuel cell suitable to power an electric motor vehicle; and (5) such other programs as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out this section. (b) Proposals.— Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall solicit proposals for conducting activities under this section.