Governor Whitmer Announces $22.2 Million to Advance Michigan-backed Clean Hydrogen Hub

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2024

Contact: MichiganInfrastructure@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Announces $22.2 Million to Advance Michigan-backed Clean Hydrogen Hub

Project will solidify Michigan’s position as clean energy leader, create thousands of jobs, strengthen the supply chain and advance the MI Healthy Climate Plan

LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Whitmer announced that a Michigan-backed clean hydrogen hub project, the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) has received $22.2 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and support from members of the Michigan congressional delegation. The funding will advance the next phase of planning and development of regional supply chains for the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. MachH2 is anticipated to create 12,000 direct jobs and catalyze further growth and economic opportunities in the developing hydrogen sector. 

The investment includes the creation of a hydrogen “Truck Stop of the Future” in Detroit, a clean hydrogen production facility in Ypsilanti, and the expansion of a clean hydrogen production and refueling center for public transit in Flint.  Investments in the development of a robust clean hydrogen market, supply chain, and workforce also have a strong potential to create good-paying jobs, expand economic opportunities, promote energy independence, and improve public health outcomes. Clean hydrogen is a game changer in the global effort to address climate change and will help Michigan achieve the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. 

“Today, Michigan won an investment to support the MachH2 hydrogen hub project, which will create 12,000 jobs and shore up our state’s leadership in this emerging sector,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thanks to our state legislature, congressional delegation, and leading, cutting-edge companies, Michigan will lead the future of clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Together, we will produce more American energy using American workers, create tens of thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs, and bring critical supply chains home from overseas. With more strategic partnerships like this hydrogen hub, we can build a future where everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

In October 2023, Governor Whitmer announced that MachH2 was one of only seven projects selected by DOE to usher in the next generation of clean energy and clean manufacturing across the Midwest. The $22.2 million investment is for Phase 1 on MachH2, which will include planning, design, development, and community and labor engagement activities. Phase 1 is expected to last between 12 to 18 months. 

“Thanks to the work of the Biden-Harris administration, Governor Whitmer, and Democrats in Congress, we’ve passed new laws to help lower costs for families and invest in clean energy projects across Michigan,” said U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee. “By investing in clean energy, we are putting Michiganders to work in good-paying manufacturing jobs, including expanding hydrogen projects in Flint, and growing our economy.” 

“Clean hydrogen is one of the most promising technologies in the transition to a clean energy future. This funding for the MachH2 hydrogen hub will support Michigan’s leadership in the development and deployment of supply chains for hydrogen trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, and will invest directly in our community with a hydrogen production facility in Ypsilanti,” said U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.  “I’m proud to have helped secure these funds in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and will continue to work closely with Governor Whitmer and all our state and local partners to expand our leadership in clean energy and technology while bringing thousands of good-paying jobs to our communities.”  

Hydrogen Truck Stop of the Future

In cooperation with the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is working with MachH2 to build a hydrogen “Truck Stop of the Future” in Detroit. This advanced mobility project will enable the future decarbonization of Gordie Howe International Bridge traffic and establish Michigan as the ideal location for building and testing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles. The hydrogen “Truck Stop of the Future” could represent emissions reductions of up to 8,250 tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent of growing 115,000 tree seedlings for 10 years.  

“Michigan continues to be a national leader in drawing federal funding that positions our state and the entire Midwest as a hub for clean energy innovation and jobs,” said Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and MIO director. “We are excited to advance into the next phase of MachH2 and work with our partners to chart a course forward that will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, grow our workforce and position the Midwest as a global leader in the ongoing transition to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy sector.”   

American Center for Mobility Hydrogen Production Facility 

MachH2 will oversee the construction of a hydrogen production facility at the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in Ypsilanti. ACM is a national leader in exploring the mobility issues of the future and their project will provide ACM with on-site hydrogen generation, the potential for supporting advanced hydrogen R&D, and a key role within the southeast Michigan hydrogen supply chain.    

“We are thrilled to collaborate with MachH2 in advancing clean transportation solutions,” said ACM President & CEO Reuben Sarkar. “Establishing on-site hydrogen production at ACM not only enhances our capabilities but also aligns with our vision of pioneering sustainable mobility technologies. This project positions us at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution, reinforcing our commitment to a cleaner, greener future for transportation.”   

In support of the Truck Stop of the Future and the Hydrogen Production Facility, the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund has awarded EGLE $11.25 million in matching funds. EGLE will allocate $3.6 million of that funding to the ACM as a cost-match grant and the Truck Stop of the Future project will receive the remaining $7.65 million. 

Expanding Hydrogen Production in Flint

The Flint Mass Transportation Authority is also working to expand its existing hydrogen production and fleet of fuel-cell buses, leading to further reductions in transportation-related emissions. The current fleet of buses has reduced Flint MTA’s consumption of diesel fuel by 99 percent, from three million gallons down to 30,000, clearing the air and saving taxpayers money. A national leader in hydrogen transit, Flint MTA is setting an example for other regional transit authorities as well as supporting the development of a hydrogen supply chain in Flint. In support of the project, MDOT will provide $2.9 million to cover 20 percent of the matching funds.   

“The Mass Transportation Authority is committed to the expansion of its zero-emission hydrogen fleet, said MTA CEO Ed Benning. "We look forward to expanding our partnership with the MachH2 initiative, which will provide our community with healthier, more sustainable public transportation and further establish Flint as a leader in environmental stewardship and innovation.”  

Michigan Leads on Clean Energy

A recent report from Climate Power shows Michigan continues to be a national leader in clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. Bolstered by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Michigan is No. 1 in the nation for IRA projects, which have resulted in more than $26 billion in new investments across the state. This funding, in tandem with Governor Whitmer’s clean energy legislative package and bipartisan economic development tools, is growing the middle class, creating good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bringing supply chains home, and lowering energy costs for families.     

“Michigan is poised to lead the way in the hydrogen revolution. By leveraging our unique economic strengths and natural resources, we can build a thriving hydrogen economy right here in the Midwest,” said Phil Roos, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. “MachH2 is good for our planet, as we reduce emissions and embrace sustainability. It's good for our economy, as we create new industries and opportunities. And it's good for our workforce, as we equip Michiganders with the skills and jobs of tomorrow.”  

To learn more about the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, please visit https://machh2.com. To learn more about hydrogen projects underway in Michigan, please visit Michigan Leads on Hydrogen. 

ABOUT THE MICHIGAN INFRASTRUCTURE OFFICE 

The MIO is responsible for organizing and executing Governor Whitmer’s vision for infrastructure, coordinating across state government, marshaling resources, and partnering with local officials, federal partners, and outside stakeholders to ensure resources sent to Michigan through BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), are used efficiently and effectively.