Flint's Transition to Clean Energy: Gov. Whitmer Supports Hydrogen-Powered Public Transportation
Key Ideas
- Flint's Mass Transportation Authority is transitioning to clean energy by replacing its last two diesel buses with hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses, with plans for further expansion.
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $11 million investment for hydrogen buses and hydrogen production in Flint, supporting the state's leadership in clean energy.
- The funding will advance the development of regional supply chains for hydrogen trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, with plans for a hydrogen 'Truck Stop of the Future' in Detroit.
- Michigan's commitment to clean energy through projects like MachH2 is expected to create 12,000 jobs and establish the state as a leader in the clean energy and advanced manufacturing sector.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently visited Flint, Michigan, to support the transition of the Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) to clean energy public transportation. MTA is replacing its final two diesel buses with hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses, completing the shift to a more sustainable mode of transportation. Whitmer announced an $11 million investment for MTA to expand its fleet of fuel-cell buses and enhance its hydrogen production facility. The funding is part of the Michigan-backed Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) initiative, which received a total of $22.2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The investment aims to advance the planning and development of regional supply chains for hydrogen trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. MTA plans to add another hydrogen bus to its fleet with the received funds, further committing to zero-emission transportation. In addition to hydrogen buses, MTA operates vehicles powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, and propane, showcasing a diverse range of clean energy options. The hydrogen fuel cells used in these buses produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen from the air, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.
Governor Whitmer also announced funding for the development of a hydrogen 'Truck Stop of the Future' in Detroit and a clean hydrogen production facility in Ypsilanti, aiming to bolster Michigan's position in the clean energy sector. The MachH2 project, supported by Michigan's state legislature and leading companies, is expected to create 12,000 jobs and drive innovation in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The initiative has received $22.2 million for the first phase, focusing on planning, design, development, and community engagement activities.
Overall, Michigan's push towards clean energy, particularly in the hydrogen sector, demonstrates a positive sentiment towards sustainable transportation and environmental stewardship. The state's investments and partnerships are crucial steps towards a greener future and economic growth through the creation of thousands of clean energy jobs.