Verne Inc., a California-founded energy company specializing in high-density hydrogen storage, has selected Muncy, Pennsylvania, for its inaugural manufacturing facility, marking a significant investment in the state's burgeoning clean energy sector. The nearly $4.5 million project, located at the Marcellus Energy Park, is projected to create at least 61 new full-time jobs and will produce approximately 10,000 advanced hydrogen and natural gas storage tanks annually upon completion. This strategic decision positions Pennsylvania as a key player in the evolving hydrogen economy, following a competitive selection process against states including Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside Verne Inc. co-founder and CTO David Jaramillo, announced the development, emphasizing the commonwealth's commitment to fostering innovation and manufacturing. Governor Shapiro highlighted the state's direct investment of over $1.27 million to support the project, underscoring a proactive approach to attracting private sector capital. "Pennsylvania is making strategic investments to grow our innovation, energy, and manufacturing industries, and Verne clearly recognized that our commonwealth is competing again because they chose us over Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia for its first manufacturing facility in the country," Shapiro stated.

Verne's proprietary technology enhances hydrogen density by storing the gas in a cold-and-compressed state, significantly improving transport efficiency and volume capacity. This innovation is crucial for expanding the reach of hydrogen as a clean fuel for sectors such as construction, data centers, drilling, and ports, which are often underserved by existing electricity grids. The company plans to leverage local manufacturing expertise, partnering with firms like Williamsport's PMF Industries, which has a history of producing hydrogen storage tanks for various industries, including NASA and the military.

Ted McKlveen, Verne co-founder and CEO, affirmed the strategic choice of North Central Pennsylvania. "After conducting a nationwide search, we determined that North Central Pennsylvania was the perfect place to establish our manufacturing footprint," McKlveen said, citing the proximity to key partners as a crucial factor for optimizing supply chain and manufacturing processes. This facility is expected to accelerate Verne's ability to deliver energy solutions to critical industries.

Local officials, including Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce President Jason Fink, welcomed the investment, noting the region's natural resources and skilled workforce from institutions like Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lycoming College. Governor Shapiro reiterated his administration's focus on a diverse energy portfolio, encompassing clean hydrogen, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, to power the nation's future. The project exemplifies Pennsylvania's aggressive pursuit of private sector investment, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovation and job creation within the clean energy landscape.