Chicago Construction News staff writer
Illinois has joined Indiana and Michigan to announce a $1 billion federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub to decarbonize through strategic hydrogen use and reduce carbon emission by about 3.9 million metric tons per year.
“The fight against climate change and the path toward a sustainable future require innovative solutions,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “Through this collaborative partnership with our neighbors and with the federal government’s support, we will foster a healthy economic environment for the hydrogen production market, while creating more clean energy jobs and lowering emissions across the region.”
The Midwest Hydrogen Hub is a multi-state, multi-sector network including Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, a key U.S. industrial and transportation corridor will promote decarbonization efforts through hydrogen use in steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation, and sustainable aviation fuel.
Also, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub will create about 13,600 jobs and invest $15 million in training and employment services for the clean energy workforce. It will also promote equitable hiring and contracting practices, with specific targets including:
- 40 percent of subcontracted dollars going to Minority/Disadvantage Business Enterprises
- $30 million for an inclusive entrepreneurship program that will foster new start-ups.
- 45 percent diverse hiring
