August 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2026
Contact: michiganinfrastructure@michigan.gov
Michigan Infrastructure Office Announces $7.5 Million to Explore Geologic Hydrogen, a Clean Natural Resource that Could Lower Energy Costs
Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund investment will support exploration, research and development needed to determine whether naturally occurring hydrogen can lower energy costs and drive economic growth across the state
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) today announced a $7.5 million investment through the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund to support the exploration, research and development of geologic hydrogen in Michigan. Geologic hydrogen represents a transformational opportunity for Michigan, both in its ability to deliver hundreds of millions in annual economic value and as a pathway to decarbonize industrial production processes. Michigan's unique geology makes it one of the most promising regions in the world for this naturally occurring resource, and this investment will fund the work needed to maximize its potential to lower energy costs, serve as an economic driver across the state, and help industry cost-effectively transition to cleaner forms of energy.
“Michigan is leading the way on clean energy,” said Governor Whitmer. “This investment will help us better understand Michigan’s geologic hydrogen resources, with the potential to create good-paying jobs, grow our economy, strengthen our energy independence, and lower energy costs. It builds on the geologic hydrogen executive directive I signed in January and our work to make Michigan a national leader in clean energy. Together, we’re building a stronger economy, expanding our energy future, and creating new opportunities for Michiganders.”
The investment delivers on Executive Directive 2026-1, signed by Governor Whitmer in January, which established the Michigan Geologic Hydrogen Exploration and Preparedness Initiative and directed state government to prepare for the responsible exploration and development of this emerging clean energy source. This investment will support new research, development, and exploration critical to the advancement of this resource in Michigan and beyond. The funds will also be used to leverage federal funding opportunities from the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies to further the exploration and potential utilization of geologic hydrogen.
“Michigan may be sitting on one of the most promising geologic hydrogen systems in the country. The next step is proving what is there and whether it can be safely and economically recovered. This investment puts Michigan in a position to answer those questions,” said Kevin Mehren, Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “Governor Whitmer’s directive called on Michigan to lead in exploring this resource, and the Infrastructure Office and Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund are giving us the ability to turn that vision into action.”
Delivering on Executive Directive 2026-1
Signed on January 15, 2026, Executive Directive 2026-1 established the Michigan Geologic Hydrogen Exploration and Preparedness Initiative to coordinate statewide planning, regulatory readiness, workforce and economic strategy, infrastructure assessment, and environmental evaluation for geologic hydrogen in Michigan. Today's investment funds the next phase of that work:
"Throughout my time as chair of the Senate Energy Committee, the Senate has been working with Gov. Whitmer to lower utility costs and improve clean energy options for residents," said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). "Today's announcement is another important step toward reaching that goal as we continue to look for ways to produce clean, reliable, and affordable Michigan power for Michigan people -- and generating hundreds of jobs in the process."
“Michigan’s investment in understanding natural hydrogen potential is an important step forward to expand our scientific understanding and create opportunities for future investment and innovation in Michigan. The Michigan Geological Survey is proud to contribute the scientific data and expertise that strengthen this effort, deepen our understanding of Michigan’s subsurface, and support informed decision-making.” said Sara Pearson, Director of the Michigan Geological Survey
“Michigan has always been where America builds big things. Today it's proving that again by putting real dollars behind science and demonstrations, while building the policy frameworks that clear the path to deployment," said Ishan Sharma, Director of the Chimaera Fund at Renaissance Philanthropy. "Michigan has the geology, the industrial base, and the workforce to turn this resource into an industry -- now it's showing the world how to lead it."
“Geologic hydrogen is a promising new piece of Michigan’s clean fuels future. Investing in a naturally occurring resource plays to Michigan’s strengths in energy and advanced manufacturing, puts the state at the forefront of an emerging industry, and creates new opportunities for investment and economic growth.” said Jane McCurry, Executive Director at Clean Fuels Michigan
Building on Michigan’s Clean Energy Leadership
This work is exploratory, and the state will share findings with the public as the research progresses. The investment builds on the Whitmer Administration's record of clean energy leadership, including the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the state's 100 percent clean energy standard, and Michigan's national standing in clean energy job growth, as well as ongoing efforts to accelerate clean mobility across the state.
In 2026, the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification advanced Governor Whitmer’s broader vision for a statewide hydrogen economy by supporting early demand-side development. Through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, the office awarded grants to innovative mobility companies working on hydrogen fueling infrastructure, energy generation technologies, and vehicle applications — helping prepare Michigan’s mobility sector to adopt hydrogen as the state works to unlock future supply. Together with the state’s supply-side exploration efforts, this work demonstrates Michigan’s comprehensive approach to building out a competitive hydrogen economy.
Since Governor Whitmer established the Michigan Infrastructure Office, Michigan has secured more than $16 billion in federal funding for roads, bridges, public transit, water infrastructure, and broadband access. The Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund has been central to providing the state matching funds that allow Michigan to compete for and win federal investment. Including the investments announced today, the Competitiveness Fund has invested $200.5 million, leveraging $1.025 billion in federal funds, a return on investment of more than 5:1.
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 federal resources sent to Michigan are used efficiently and effectively. For more information about the Michigan Infrastructure Office, please visit its website.
Media Contact:
Author:
