Chicago Construction News staff writer
Illinois joined Indiana and Michigan in announcing $1 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub to decarbonize through strategic hydrogen use and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3.9 million metric tons annually.
“Fighting climate change and moving toward a sustainable future require innovative solutions,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “Through this partnership with our neighbors and with the support of the federal government, we will foster a healthy economic environment for the hydrogen production market while creating more clean energy jobs and reducing emissions across the region.”
The Midwest Hydrogen Hub is a multi-state, multi-sector network that includes Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, a key US industrial and transportation corridor that will advance decarbonization efforts through the use of hydrogen in steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transport and sustainable aviation fuels.
Also, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub will create approximately 13,600 jobs and invest $15 million in training and employment services for the clean energy workforce. It will also promote fair recruitment and contracting practices, with specific objectives including:
- 40 percent of subcontracting dollars go to minority/disadvantaged businesses
- $30 million for an inclusive entrepreneurship program to encourage new start-ups.
- 45 percent diverse hiring
