Racine Sun

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers views his support of a multi-state agreement increasing hydrogen's energy contribution as a power move for the whole state.

“Clean hydrogen has the potential to play a key role in our work to build a strong clean energy economy in Wisconsin, and this agreement is another positive step toward achieving the goals of our Clean Energy Plan and creating the more sustainable future our kids deserve,” Evers posted on Twitter.

Evers recently joined governors from Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota in signing off on the plan, which includes seeking to secure funds from the government as part of an overall strategy to expand hydrogen energy across the state. Urban Milwaukee reports this “green energy” would be a part of creating an entire system of clean energy infrastructure.

Across the country, hydrogen power is gaining in appeal largely due to its ability to be generated by electrolysis, a carbon-free process of separating hydrogen and oxygen in water. The practice is touted as a potential permanent energy source, which could ultimately come to replace many fossil fuels. While not all harvested hydrogen is yet completely green, leaders say it is a step toward a more sustainable future.

In all, the project would supply four hydrogen hubs in different regions of the country. Wisconsin officials submitted their application with neighboring states in hopes it would enhance the state’s chances of closing the deal. Evers has also joined the Midwestern Hydrogen Coalition.

“Clean hydrogen has the potential to play a key role in our clean energy efforts here in Wisconsin and across the country, and I’m proud to be working together with this bipartisan group of governors to do the right thing for our states’ futures,” Evers said in a statement.

Over the past decade, about 10% of Wisconsin’s energy has been generated through renewables. The question of how much hydrogen will be produced when the states officially join forces with the hub remains an open one.