This week, Gov. Tim Walz joined governors in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio to announce the launch of the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition (M-H2 Coalition). The coalition will accelerate the development of clean hydrogen, from production and supply chain to distribution in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and other industries.
“The development of clean hydrogen markets will create jobs and strengthen industries across our state,” said Gov. Walz. “I am proud to join a coalition that will work to expand the clean energy economy and reduce climate impacts on future generations across Minnesota and the U.S.”
The benefits of the initiative include expanding the clean energy economy in Minnesota and creating good-paying jobs; reducing long-term costs for consumers and businesses; reducing harmful carbon emissions; and promoting energy independence, according to press materials.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce will work with the M-H2 Coalition to pursue billions in hydrogen investments, particularly through federal funding, to produce and use clean hydrogen.
“The Midwest Hydrogen Coalition brings opportunities for Minnesota to collaborate with multiple states to draw more investment and develop more innovations,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “Clean hydrogen gives us another great opportunity to transition to a clean energy economy.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided the U.S. Department of Energy with $8 billion to fund regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, networks of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure. The Inflation Reduction Act, recently signed into law by President Biden, creates a tax credit for hydrogen production, which will make clean hydrogen competitive with fossil fuels.
The M-H2 Coalition will be able to leverage existing infrastructure and develop partnerships with commercial, university, research, and nonprofit organizations to fund and develop solutions for a robust market for clean hydrogen.
Source: The Offices of Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan