(Source: MIRS.news, Published 08/22/23) The largest hydrogen storage manufacturing plant in North America is being planned for Grand Blanc Township as part of a $171.2 million investment being made by Plastic Omnium New Energies, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Tuesday.
Hydrogen storage systems are viewed as a critical piece of zero-emissions technology in that they can supply portable power. In the future, they are being eyed for refueling infrastructures such as hydrogen carriers, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Plastic Omnium Energies will also use a $5 million MEDC performance grant to create a testing and validation lab at a yet-to-determined location in Michigan. The company chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in Indiana, Ohio and Canada because of its relationship with existing Tier 1 suppliers. The projects are expected to create 175 new jobs.
“This investment in the largest hydrogen storage manufacturing plant in the U.S. is a testament to the strong relationship we have had over the years with Michigan,” said Plastic Omnium New Energies USA Managing Director Alexandra Charnelet. “We are excited to make Plastic Omnium and the state of Michigan the cornerstone of zero carbon commercial mobility.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with company executives during her French visit in June. While there, she sold Michigan as having an attractive business climate, a talented workforce, and a clean hydrogen development culture.
In related news, W&S Development Partners, LLC, received a $3 million loan to construct a mixed-use development with 58 market-rate apartments and 2,400 square feet of commercial space on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids.
“The Grand Rapids Economic Development Department was also instrumental in making this project happen. The support of the MEDC and the city of Grand Rapids made it possible to reimage this long-vacant property,” W&S Development Managing Member Mike Coyne said.
The Bagley Development Group would get the performance-based loan for additional support to rehabilitate the historic United Artists Building in Detroit. The 18-story, mixed-use building would have 148 mixed-income units and first-floor commercial space.
The project was first given $5 million in May 2020 and then an additional $2 million in May 2021.
A Midwest community development organization named IFF was awarded a $10 million loan to help make investments to help build rental projects for workers in Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties.
IFF Eastern Region Executive Director Chris UHL said the loan would give them $100 million to work with in lending funding for projects.
“IFF is committed to filling needs that no one else will fill and working with communities to bring their visions to life,” Uhl said.
The IFF would require that 20% of the units created would be for families with incomes between 60% and 120% of the Area Median Income and keep being affordable for 10 years.
