MachH2, a multi-state coalition of public and private entities across the hydrogen value chain, plans to establish a hydrogen production and distribution hub in the Midwest of the US.

Members of the coalition include Air Liquide, Bloom Energy, American Centre for Mobility, LanzaTech, Plug Power, Idaho National Laboratory, and many more.

H2 View understands the coalition is looking to utilise electrolysis to produce green hydrogen, which it intends to supply to hard-to-abate sectors, including aviation, steelmaking, agriculture, and long-haul transportation.

With a vision to utilise the region’s nuclear and renewable power, the alliance has said it will collaborate on building hydrogen supply, storage, infrastructure, distribution networks, technology implementation, and a regional market.

According to MachH2, its plans could support an estimated 4,500 construction jobs, and 400 permanent positions once complete.

In September, the US DOE opened applications for a $7bn programme to create regional clean hydrogen hubs across the country, which it hopes will form a critical arm of its clean energy economy.

Read more: US DOE opens applications for $7bn hydrogen hub funding programme and unveils draft hydrogen strategy

Commenting on its application, JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, said, “The development of a robust clean hydrogen economy in Illinois will build on our decarbonisation efforts in the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), particularly in hard to decarbonise sectors, while creating jobs, spurring infrastructure development throughout Illinois, and meeting the environmental justice goals of my administration.”

Dick Durbin, US Senator, added, “Hydrogen promises to play a critical role in decarbonising the transportation sector, and MachH2 demonstrates that Illinois stands ready to deliver on that promise.”