WC Wisconsin News

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is all in when it comes to bringing more clean energy to the 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 Oct. 6.

Evers' announcement came after the state joined forces with at least three others in a multi-state agreement increasing hydrogen powers.

With Evers joining governors from Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota in signing off on the plan, the group is now seeking to secure funds from the government 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.

Almost anywhere one looks across the country hydrogen power is growing more attractive largely stemming from its ability to generate by electrolysis, a carbon-free process of separating hydrogen and oxygen in water. Supporters of the plan point to it as potentially being a permanent energy source, and one that ultimately could replace fossil fuels altogether. While not all harvested hydrogen is yet completely green, leaders say it is a step toward a more sustainable future.

Overall, the project would supply four hydrogen hubs in different regions of the country, with officials from Wisconsin having submitted their application along with other neighboring states in hopes it would enhance the state’s chances of closing the deal. In addition, 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,” he 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.