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) as part of 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 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.
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.
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.
The advanced mobility project will enable the future decarbonization of Gordie Howe International Bridge traffic and establish Michigan as a 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,” says 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.”
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.
“Establishing on-site hydrogen production at ACM not only enhances our capabilities but also aligns with our vision of pioneering sustainable mobility technologies,” says Rueben Sarkar, president and CEO of ACM. “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 also is working to expand its existing hydrogen production and fleet of fuel-cell buses. 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.
MDOT will provide $2.9 million to cover 20 percent of the matching funds.
For more information about the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, visit machh2.com.
To learn more about hydrogen projects underway in Michigan, visit Michigan Leads on Hydrogen.
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