Goals & Objectives:

This project will build on the work done in preparation for the Michigan’s Hydrogen Roadmap Workshop convened by CSS this May in Ann Arbor. (See Michigan’s Hydrogen Roadmap Workshop report posted in CSS website). Project goals include:

o Characterize potential demand in Michigan for hydrogen by end use (e.g., transportation, ammonia production, glass & steel making, buildings, electricity production), and potential for low-carbon hydrogen production in Michigan.

o Support MI Healthy Climate Plan – determine potential for decarbonizing end uses that are hard to electrify.

o Contribute the advancement of a regional (Midwest) hydrogen hub – proposal in development in response to $8B U.S. DOE H2Hubs grant competition; UM is a partner on this grant.

Theoretical Justification, Social Benefit, or Significance:

A main approach to addressing climate change for end uses that require energy is to electrify and decarbonize (use electricity from low- or zero-carbon sources). There are a number of end uses of energy that are hard to electrify, but it may be possible to decarbonize these uses by switching to low-carbon hydrogen. This project seeks to analyze hard-to-electrify end uses and assess the demand for hydrogen of each end use in Michigan, as well as the potential to produce, store, and deliver low- and zero-carbon hydrogen to these end uses. Design and analysis of policies that would support decarbonization, especially via hydrogen, is also a critical component of the project. This work is an integral step in the process of decarbonizing society, and in positioning Michigan as a leader in this transformation.

Specific Activities & Duration:

Literature review, compiling data and constructing energy and carbon emissions models of industrial processes, spatial analysis, policy analysis, and environmental justice analysis.

Integrative Approach:

We developed a set of criteria for designing a hydrogen economy and ecosystem in Michigan. An integrative assessment framework based on the following criteria and parameters will be evaluated in this project:

GHG reduction potential – contribution to state and national targets, other environmental impacts

Technology – readiness, constraints, competition (with other carriers, technologies))

Scale – capacity and potential for hydrogen production, delivery, storage, and end use applications

Spatial mapping and analysis – of hydrogen supply chain (potential hub(s) and spokes) including: production sites, routing network, industrial sites, fueling stations, etc.

Regional linkages – extending beyond Michigan

Time horizon – near term (to 2030) and longer term (2030 to 2050)

Socio-economic impacts – jobs, justice, and equity issues