A major hydrogen storage manufacturing plant, potentially the largest in the U.S., may soon be established in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
A significant step was taken on August 22, when the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved a $5 million grant and other incentives worth up to $2.3 million for the Plastic Omnium New Energies USA project.
This development, referred to as a “factory from the future” by local officials, would involve the building of tanks designed to hold hydrogen for powering vehicles. The project is expected to create 175 new jobs and involves an investment of $171 million. The facility aims to support approximately 40,000 vehicles annually starting in 2027, with full production expected by the end of 2028.
In addition to the production facility, the state’s commitment to the project includes the development of a testing and validation lab at an undetermined location. The construction is set to begin in spring 2024, with the production facility completed by 2026.
The project underscores the growing interest and investment in hydrogen as a sustainable energy source for transportation. Township Supervisor Scott Bennett described the development as a “huge” advancement in utilizing hydrogen as a clean and viable fuel option.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been an advocate for the project, meeting with executives from Compagnie Plastic Omnium during her visit to France. The company, a leading tier-one automotive supplier, is moving forward with plans to develop and produce hydrogen storage systems for medium and heavy-duty, zero-emission vehicles. It’s anticipated that the factory will utilize large amounts of automation, bringing dozens of high-tech jobs to the area.
The Grand Blanc Township site was chosen over other potential locations in Ohio, Indiana, and Canada, further emphasizing Michigan’s dedication to being a frontrunner in hydrogen technology.
The focus on hydrogen aligns with the initiatives of companies like Toyota and General Motors, who are committing to a hydrogen society, continuing to work on models powered by hydrogen, including fuel cell vehicles.
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