SPRINGFIELD – Illinois was chosen as a regional clean hydrogen hub to drive clean manufacturing by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, an effort State Senators Dave Koehler and Laura Ellman have been leaders on.

"Here in Illinois, we are taking the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Illinois’ prime location, strong workforce and clean energy agenda will be displayed on the national level. I’ve known our state is a leader in decarbonization efforts, and I will continue supporting Illinois’ move to clean hydrogen.”

Seven regional clean hydrogen hubs were selected to receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. Illinois was one of three states chosen as the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, 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.

“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.”

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