Renewable energy solutions provider, Nel Hydrogen, has announced plans to construct a new gigawatt automated electrolyser manufacturing facility in Michigan. The facility, which will be one of the largest electrolyser manufacturing plants in the world, will provide employment to over 500 people when it reaches its full capacity.
The announcement was made at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington by Nel's CEO, Håkon Volldal, with Department of Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, and Michigan's Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, in attendance. The project, which is set to cost up to $400m, was secured as a result of an economic mission made by Governor Whitmer to Europe earlier this year.
“We're thrilled to bring home up to $400 million in investment from Nel Hydrogen creating more than 500 good-paying, clean energy jobs right here in Michigan,” says Governor Whitmer.
As a major player in clean energy, chips, and car manufacturing, Michigan is serious about winning the hydrogen development race, and the investment from Nel is proof that the best manufacturing in the world takes place in Michigan.
“The choice of Michigan is based on an overall assessment of what the state can offer in terms of financial incentives, access to a highly skilled workforce, and cooperation with universities, research institutions, and strategic partners. I will also highlight the personal engagement from Governor Whitmer and her competent and service-minded team”, says Nel's CEO, Håkon Volldal.
The plant, which will have a production capacity of up to 4GW of Alkaline and PEM electrolysers, will be built in phases to match the supply and demand. The final investment decision will be made later.
Nel's PEM electrolysers have been developed through decades of support from the US Department of Energy. The technology is critical in helping bring down costs while creating a more sustainable hydrogen supply.
“Nearly two decades of research investment through the Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Office has led to technological advances that will now be transitioned to gigawatt scale in our Michigan facility”, says Volldal.
The proximity of the new facility to General Motors, which is headquartered in Detroit, played a decisive role in the selection of Michigan. The two companies are collaborating to improve Nel's PEM electrolyser technology.
“Having Nel's new facility close to our home base of HYDROTEC development, in southeastern Michigan, will help us more quickly accelerate our electrolyser collaboration,” says GM executive director of HYDROTEC Charlie Freese.
The announcement of Nel Hydrogen's new manufacturing facility in Michigan highlights the state's commitment to clean energy development, technological advancement, and job creation. The project also reinforces the state's position as a global leader in hydrogen development.
