The Greater Houston Partnership and the Center for Houston’s Future (CHF) recently led a delegation of clean hydrogen sector leaders to Japan and South Korea. This mission aimed to advance collaboration and strengthen ties within the rapidly expanding global clean hydrogen ecosystem, marking a significant step in Houston's leadership in the energy transition.  During the visit, Brett Perlman, Managing Director of CHF, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the leader of the Japanese Hydrogen Association, setting the stage for strategic collaborations that will boost clean hydrogen production both in East Asia and along the U.S. Gulf Coast.  Key moments of the mission included the Japan – U.S. Gulf Coast Clean Hydrogen Roundtable, where Perlman and Partnership Vice President of International Investment and Trade John Cypher shared insights into Houston’s hydrogen leadership.  Delegation members had the opportunity to tour cutting-edge hydrogen facilities across Japan and South Korea, including Chiyoda’s Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) production plant, Hanwha Daesan’s green energy fuel cell facility, Hyundai HyNet’s steel hydrogen shipment center, the SK Hydrogen Liquefaction Plant, and Bloom Energy’s fuel cell production facility. The group also met with high-level government officials from Yokohama, Kawasaki City, and Tokyo to discuss future collaborations.  The delegation also participated in H2 Week 2024 in Seoul, Korea, one of the world’s premier hydrogen conferences, where they connected with South Korean government officials, energy leaders and industry innovators.   “Strategic partnerships with key international allies are amplified by these missions and crucial for unlocking the full potential of emerging industries like clean hydrogen. At a time where energy and energy security are paramount, these missions not only reinforce Houston’s position as the global energy capital but also foster prosperity in the region. Together, we’re forging innovative solutions the world urgently needs in today’s energy landscape,” said John Cypher, Partnership Vice President of International Investment and Trade.  Houston’s Gulf Coast region was recently designated as one of the nation’s seven hydrogen hubs by the U.S. Department of Energy and is poised to play a pivotal role in this emerging sector. The Gulf Coast already accounts for more than a third of U.S. hydrogen production and is equipped with over 1,000 miles of hydrogen pipelines spanning 48 production facilities. In addition, the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub, led by a coalition of seven core industry partners with support from academic and other organizations like CHF, is set to receive up to $1.2 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  The growth of the clean hydrogen sector in the Houston region is expected to create up to 45,000 direct jobs, 35,000 construction jobs, and 10,000 permanent positions. International collaborations with partners like Japan and Korea, Houston’s fourth and seventh largest trading partners, will be essential for sustaining and accelerating this growth.  Learn more about Houston's hydrogen ecosystem.

Texas and Houston have once again earned top accolades for economic development from Site Selection Magazine, highlighting the region’s attractiveness for business. A survey of business executives also affirmed Texas as the top state for business climate, with Houston listed as one of the “places to grow fast.”   These rankings are based on the perspectives of corporate decision makers. Criteria for the rankings included the executive survey, 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings, Inc. 5000 companies, total and per capita economic development projects as well as various other Conway Data rankings. In addition to the rankings, a survey of site selectors yielded a list of most important criteria, naming utilities, workforce skills, land and building prices and ease of permitting and regulation.  The study gave special notice to Chevron’s recent headquarters relocation to Houston, its low-carbon and ammonia production plant in Baytown and the company’s success working with the Texas General Land Office for the largest offshore carbon dioxide storage lease in the U.S. These examples of business expansion reflect the region’s business-friendly environment.  Texas earned the top state for business climate and top state for FTZ impact, with the Port of Houston being named the seventh-ranked foreign trade zone out of nearly 300 nationally. Texas ranked number one in merchandise received and exports, coming at the top of the list for warehouse and distribution exports and production activity. Much of Texas’s acumen can be traced to Houston, the top exporting metro in the United States – more goods are exported from the Houston metro than New York and Los Angeles combined.  “The evidence is clear that Texas is a top destination for business, and Houston’s business climate stands as a leader attracting new foreign and domestic investments,” Partnership SVP of Economic Development Craig Rhodes said. “We have the essential foundation for any business to succeed, backed by our robust infrastructure, regulatory environment, a skilled workforce, and a deep understanding of company needs. Here in Houston, we offer an exceptional platform for businesses to thrive and make a meaningful impact both domestically and internationally.”  This news further underscores Houston as a top destination for foreign trade and investment, along with the 2023 Financial Times-Nikkei ranking as the top U.S. city for foreign investment. With the nation’s busiest port by tonnage, a welcoming culture and regulatory environment, an ambitious workforce and favorable real estate pricing, Houston serves as fertile ground for business to thrive.  To read further on what makes Greater Houston a top destination for business, visit our Economic Development page.