[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today celebrated news that the U.S. Department of Energy will deliver nearly $1 billion to the Heartland Hydrogen Hub to advance the regional clean energy project. The regional partnership is expected to create upwards of 3,800 jobs.

Last year, Governor Walz joined his colleagues in a memorandum of understanding to initiate the effort and signed an executive order directing state agencies to pursue federal funding for clean hydrogen market development in Minnesota.

“This is a major investment in Minnesota and the region’s economy and vote of confidence in our ability to innovate,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota is ready to meet the changing needs of our energy, transportation, and agriculture industries. By developing clean hydrogen, we can reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts for future generations.”

“Clean fuels are a critical component of enabling economy-wide decarbonization. The Heartland Hydrogen Hub is game-changing initiative that demonstrates how we’re accelerating the development of the next generation of clean energy technology with significant benefits for our customers and the environment,” said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy chairman, president and CEO. “The strong partnership with our Upper Midwest states and other energy providers demonstrates our commitment to increasing economic impact while achieving carbon reduction goals for our customers.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021 by President Joe Biden, provided the U.S. Department of Energy with $8 billion to fund regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, networks of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure. Minnesota worked with neighboring states to develop a proposal for the Heartland Hydrogen Hub with the goal of obtaining that federal funding.

The Heartland Hydrogen Hub, which was selected to receive funding after a highly competitive process, aims to produce low-carbon hydrogen, decarbonize regional supply chains and create clean energy jobs across the four states.

The University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC), Marathon Petroleum Corp., TC Energy and Xcel Energy are leading development of the Heartland Hydrogen Hub. A variety of projects will produce clean hydrogen for delivery to multiple markets including industrial operations, fertilizer production, and natural gas blending for power generation and distribution, while reducing carbon emissions from multiple sectors.