FRANKFORT, Kentucky (WBKO) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday that he is working to bring hydrogen investment and jobs to Kentucky by working with other governors in six states to create a hydrogen market, supply chain and workforce development in throughout the Midwest region.
Beshear joins the governors of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin in forming a Midwest Hydrogen Coalition.
The coalition provides a regional framework for a strong hydrogen market that will “boost new industries and high-paying jobs, promote energy resilience and improve public health by reducing pollution,” according to a press release.
“Kentucky’s robust infrastructure, strong chemical and manufacturing base, and our automotive and logistics leadership position us as a natural site for hydrogen economic development,” said Beshear. “We look forward to working with our Midwest partners and local industry to build a hydrogen economy in Kentucky.”
In 2021, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky announced a $461 million upgrade of its Georgetown manufacturing plant, which will begin assembling integrated dual fuel cell modules destined for use in hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles starting next year.
The state’s Regional Hydrogen Hub Workgroup was also formed earlier this year to develop projects around the use of hydrogen, such as B. natural gas mixtures or transport fuels.
“This strategy will move the state forward by connecting job creators, utilities and environmentalists with communities to create sustainable energy infrastructure,” said Rebecca Goodman, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Environment.
In July, Kentucky Interstates 64, 65 and 75 were approved by the Federal Highway Administration as hydrogen transportation corridors to support the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure on these important freight corridors.
“The automotive industry is in the midst of a sea change,” said Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Jim Gray. “As we look to the future, alternative fuels will give consumers more choices to power their engines. Kentucky, already emerging as the EV battery manufacturing capital and now with three freeways designated as hydrogen fuel corridors, is ideally placed to lead.”
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