Madison Reporter

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is excited by the possibilities he’s convinced are headed in the state’s direction given its entry in a new, multi-state agreement aimed at increasing hydrogen powers.

“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 on Oct. 6.

The governor's announcement came after Wisconsin officially teamed with three other states in forming the alliance.

With Evers joining governors from Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota in signing off on the plan, the quartet is now in the midst of securing government funds to expand hydrogen energy levels in each state. Urban Milwaukee reports that “this green energy” would be a part of creating an entire system of clean energy infrastructure.

All across the country, hydrogen power is growing in popularity largely based on its ability to generate by electrolysis, a carbon-free process of separating hydrogen and oxygen in water. Supporters of the plan anticipate its potential to be a permanent energy source and one that ultimately could replace fossil fuels entirely. While not all harvested hydrogen is completely green as yet, 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. Wisconsin officials submitted their application along with other neighboring states in hopes it would enhance the state’s chances of closing the deal. In addition, Evers also has 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 last decade, approximately 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.