Image courtesy of the State of Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $22.2 million federal investment in Michigan’s Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), a transformative project poised to create 12,000 jobs and position the state as a leader in the clean energy revolution. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the initiative will accelerate hydrogen production and distribution for heavy-duty vehicles, bolstering Michigan’s economy and advancing its climate goals.
The investment will create a hydrogen “Truck Stop of the Future” in Detroit, a clean hydrogen production facility in Ypsilanti, and expand a clean hydrogen production and refueling center for public transit in Flint. This investment in clean hydrogen can create good-paying jobs, boost the economy, support energy independence, and improve public health. Clean hydrogen is crucial for fighting climate change and will help Michigan meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Governor Whitmer highlighted Michigan won an investment to support the MachH2 hydrogen hub project, which will create 12,000 jobs and shore up the state’s leadership in this emerging sector.
“Thanks to our state legislature, congressional delegation, and leading, cutting-edge companies, Michigan will lead the future of clean energy and advanced manufacturing,” Governor Whitmer said.
“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 shared that MachH2 is one of seven projects the Department of Energy (DOE) picked to help lead the way in clean energy and manufacturing in the Midwest. The DOE is putting $22.2 million into Phase 1 of MachH2, focusing on planning, design, development, and getting the community and workers involved. This first phase should last about 12 to 18 months.
U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee emphasized that investing in clean energy is putting Michiganders in good-paying manufacturing jobs, including expanding hydrogen projects in Flint and growing the economy.
“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,” Kildee said.
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell highlights 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,” U.S. Congresswoman Dingell said.
“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.”
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,” Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and MIO director, said.
“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.”
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.
ACM President & CEO Reuben Sarkars says he is thrilled to collaborate with MachH2 in advancing clean transportation solutions.
“Establishing on-site hydrogen production at ACM not only enhances our capabilities but also aligns with our vision of pioneering sustainable mobility technologies,” Sarkars said.
“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.
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 and supporting the development of a hydrogen supply chain in Flint. The Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund provided $11.25 million in matching funds to the Flint MTA, and MDOT will provide $2.9 million to cover 20 percent of the matching funds.
MTA CEO Ed Benning emphasizes that the Mass Transportation Authority is committed to expanding its zero-emission hydrogen fleet.
“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,” Benning said.