The GUIDE-H2 Prize is a U.S. Department of Energy competition aimed at improving practitioner expertise and developing best practices for assessing clean hydrogen energy projects. The competition focuses on creating and applying analytic methods to evaluate commercial-scale hydrogen deployment projects, addressing common challenges such as delays and cancellations. It seeks to enhance the economic, social, and environmental benefits of hydrogen deployments while contributing to long-term sustainability and project success.

Participants will compete in two phases with a total prize pool of $200,000. In Phase I, up to six winners will receive $10,000 each for developing methodologies to assess hydrogen projects. Phase II, open to Phase I winners, will require participants to apply their methodologies to real projects, resulting in training tools, lessons learned, and best-practice guidance. Phase II awards include $80,000 for first place, $40,000 for second place, and $20,000 for third place. Outcomes will be shared to support workforce development and global collaboration, including through the H2 Twin Cities program.

The competition is open to individuals, private entities, non-federal government entities, and academic institutions. While international collaboration is encouraged, the lead applicant must be a U.S.-based entity to qualify for Department of Energy funding. Competitors are advised to review the official rules for complete eligibility and participation requirements.

Phase I submissions are due by June 30, 2025, with winners announced by July 31, 2025. Phase II submissions are due by April 22, 2026, with winners announced by May 29, 2026. Participants in both phases will benefit from external recognition opportunities, including invitations to present at key industry events.

An informational webinar is scheduled for February 6, 2025, to provide guidance to potential competitors. Further details and updates are available on the HeroX platform, and inquiries can be directed to GuideH2.Prize@nrel.gov.