NAPERVILLE – Illinois is among the regional clean hydrogen hubs announced by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a measure State Senator Laura Ellman has been advocating for since she established The Hydrogen Economy Task Force last year.
“Illinois has been poised to lead the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy by embracing hydrogen energy,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “As a Midwest Hydrogen Hub, we can take action on the strategic distribution of hydrogen across the state’s agricultural, refinery and transportation industries, as well as promote the use of renewable energy sources.”
The seven regional clean hydrogen hubs will receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. Illinois is part of the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, along with Indiana and Michigan.
Located in a key U.S. industrial and transportation corridor, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub will enable decarbonization through strategic hydrogen uses including steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation and sustainable aviation fuel. This hydrogen hub plans to produce hydrogen by leveraging diverse and abundant energy sources, including renewable energy, natural gas and low-cost nuclear energy. The Midwest Hydrogen Hub anticipates creating 12,100 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.

Last year, Ellman’s Senate Bill 3613 established the Hydrogen Economy Task Force to identify opportunities to integrate hydrogen into the state’s economy, analyze barriers for development, and recommend policies to catalyze deployment of hydrogen.

“Through this legislation, I aimed to create clean energy for residents across the state and position Illinois as a leader in this change,” said Ellman. “This announcement reflects our continued efforts in making our state a hydrogen powerhouse. I would like to thank State Senator Sue Rezin, State Senator David Koehler, State Representative Terra Costa Howard, and State Representative Bradley Fritts for being strong advocates for Illinois energy.”

More information on the regional clean hydrogen hubs can be found here.