Paul Mitchell, President and CEO of Energy Systems Network, based in Indianapolis, expressed his enthusiasm and confidence in the selection of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, or MachH2, as one of the seven groups designated to establish clean hydrogen hubs in the United States. The Biden Administration’s announcement of this development was met with optimism, as MachH2, representing Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, is slated to receive up to $1 billion in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Mitchell emphasized that the choice of the Midwest for this crucial initiative is a “validation” of the region’s importance in shaping the future of the hydrogen economy. He pointed to the concentration of heavy industry, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics in the Midwest as pivotal factors.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Mitchell emphasized the unique assets the region possesses, such as the BP Whiting Refinery and nearby nuclear facilities in Illinois. He added that Indiana and neighboring states had a strong chance of selection from the DOE, given the strategic advantages of the region.
MachH2 comprises over 70 public and private organizations, including ESN in Indiana. The production of “blue hydrogen” will take place at or near the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, a factor that significantly bolstered the region’s proposal.
These hydrogen hubs are dedicated to building a network of high-volume, clean hydrogen production, with a focus on achieving commercial-scale production. Blue hydrogen, produced by converting natural gas into carbon dioxide and hydrogen, has a range of applications, including in steelmaking, power generation, and agriculture.
Mitchell highlighted that the federal funding would attract additional investments, which are essential for achieving the scale necessary for hydrogen to become a robust and clean fuel for the country. The White House estimates that the combined efforts of the seven hubs will generate more than $40 billion in private investment.
Mitchell commended the efforts of Governor Eric Holcomb, the Indiana Economic Development Corp., and state legislators in establishing a regulatory framework for carbon sequestration in Indiana, which contributed to the state’s readiness for this initiative.
As the plans progress, Mitchell and the MachH2 representatives will collaborate with the Department of Energy to finalize the grant agreement, with the aim of engaging with the affected communities to explain the importance of these investments for economic development and environmental sustainability.