Midwest governors form regional clean hydrogen coalition

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the governors of Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana announced the formation of the Midwestern Hydrogen Coalition to facilitate the development of a strong clean hydrogen economy in the Midwest. The coalition will work together to identify opportunities for advancing clean hydrogen production and use, which will expand economic opportunity, reduce harmful emissions, promote energy independence, and lower long-term energy costs.

Hydrogen is a colorless and odorless gas that can be used as a clean fuel source, releasing only water as a byproduct when used in a fuel cell. When produced in a way that emits little to no greenhouse gases, the fuel is referred to as “clean hydrogen,” and it has the potential to be a key component of decarbonizing multiple sectors of Wisconsin’s economy, including transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries.

To help jump-start the production and use of clean hydrogen, the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) appropriated $8 billion for the U.S. Department of Energy to fund a set of regional clean hydrogen hubs, which are networks of clean hydrogen producers, potential clean hydrogen consumers, and connective infrastructure located in the same region. This Midwestern Hydrogen Coalition will evaluate the possibility of pursuing a hydrogen hub application through the BIL.