FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new effort to make the pacific northwest a national leader in clean energy production will include a site in Ferndale.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $27.5 million in funding to the PNW Hydrogen Association.

The non-profit group spans Washington, Oregon and Montana, and is looking to create a regional network of hydrogen producers. Their plan includes eight project sites across the three states with a key location in Ferndale.

That site will have two power plants and storage tanks that will produce hydrogen for power generation, refineries, port equipment and heavy-duty transportation like transit buses. The project team will coordinate with the Opportunity Council to offer training and jobs at the site to low-income and disadvantaged residents.

An advisory board will also use input from both the Lummi Nation and the Opportunity Council in planning how to best serve the surrounding community.

Wednesday’s grant was the first phase of funding that could end up totaling $1 billion in establishing the PNW as a clean energy hub.