Flint’s MTA Advances Clean Energy Goals With Funding
Michigan seals its commitment to clean energy with a near $9 million investment geared toward bolstering hydrogen fuel cell buses. This grant is a part of a $22.2 million project run by the U.S Department of Energy. The state estimates that the project will highlight Michigan as a major player in the renewable energy space and provide thousands of jobs.
With a new $8.7 million federal and state investment meant to increase its fleet of environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel cell buses, Flint is poised to get a significant improvement in its public transportation system. Underlining Michigan’s dedication to innovative renewable energy solutions, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the funding on Wednesday.
Led by The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen
The grant comes from a larger project run by the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), which itself has obtained $22.2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to assist clean hydrogen initiatives across the Midwest. Using its share of the money, Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) will improve its hydrogen producing facilities in addition to boosting the count of hydrogen buses.
For Flint, which has been slowly switching from conventional diesel buses to greener substitutes, this project represents a major step forward. MTA Chief Executive Officer Ed Benning says the extra money will enable the agency to grow its current hydrogen fueling station.
“We’ve been after these funds to expand the station,” Benning said on Thursday, Nov. 21. “In my opinion, it’s (the best fueling) option.”
In the Making for Ten Years
With the launch of its first hydrogen fuel cell bus in Grand Blanc Township over ten years ago, MTA started its path toward embracing hydrogen fuel. The fleet now consists of five buses; plans call for adding another with the most recent money. According to Benning, the action fits MTA’s larger plan to switch completely to zero-emission vehicles.
Combining hydrogen with oxygen to generate power releases only water vapor as a byproduct, thus providing a clean substitute for fossil fuels. Along with lowering greenhouse gas emissions, this technology places Flint as a pioneer in public transportation innovation and environmental stewardship.
Additionally part of the MachH2 project, the funding will support additional statewide projects. Plans for a futuristic hydrogen “Truck Stop of the Future” in Detroit and a new clean hydrogen producing plant in Ypsilanti clearly show the way forward. These initiatives seek to provide infrastructure to enable a greater acceptance of hydrogen-powered vehicles throughout Michigan.
Governor Whitmer Stands with the Project
Governor Whitmer commended the effort, pointing out how it can boost Michigan’s position in the clean energy industry and generate almost 12,000 employment.
“Today, Michigan won an investment to support the MachH2 hydrogen hub project, which will create 12,000 jobs and shore up our state’s leadership in this emerging sector,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Thanks to our state legislature, congressional delegation, and leading, cutting-edge companies, Michigan will lead the future of clean energy and advanced manufacturing.”
With the $22.2 million set for first-phase activities including planning, design, and community involvement over the next 12 to 18 months, this investment represents the starting point. These actions are essential since Michigan wants to lead the change towards an economically successful clean energy future.
