[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today is joining governors in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio to announce the launch of the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition (M-H2 Coalition). The coalition will accelerate development of clean hydrogen, from production and supply chain to market distribution and uses in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and other industries (See the Memorandum of Understanding signed document).

“The development of clean hydrogen markets will create jobs and strengthen industries across our state,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud to join a coalition that will work to expand the clean energy economy and reduce climate impacts on future generations across Minnesota and the U.S.”  

Benefits of developing clean hydrogen include:

• Expanding the clean energy economy in Minnesota and creating good-paying jobs   
• Reducing costs over the long term for consumers and businesses 
• Reducing harmful carbon emissions  
• Promoting energy independence 

The Minnesota Department of Commercee State of Minnesota, will work with the M-H2 Coalition to pursue billions in hydrogen investments, particularly through federal funding, to produce and use clean hydrogen, rather than fossil fuel.   

“The Midwest Hydrogen Coalition brings opportunities for Minnesota to collaborate with multiple states to draw more investment and develop more innovations,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “Clean hydrogen gives us another great opportunity to transition to a clean energy economy.”  

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided the U.S. Department of Energy with $8 billion to fund a set of Clean Hydrogen Hubs, networks of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure. The Inflation Reduction Act, recently signed into law by President Biden, creates a tax credit for hydrogen production, which will make clean hydrogen competitive with fossil fuels.  

The M-H2 Coalition will be able to leverage existing infrastructure and jointly develop partnerships with commercial, university, research and nonprofit organizations to fund and develop solutions for a robust market for clean hydrogen.  

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Media contact: 
Mo Schriner
mo. schriner@state.mn.us