Hydrogen Energy Plan

The following was repealed by Senate File 1456, 2017: The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC), in coordination with the Department of Administration (DOA) and the Pollution Control Agency, must identify opportunities for demonstrating the use of hydrogen fuel cells within state-owned facilities, vehicle fleets, and operations. DOA must purchase and demonstrate hydrogen, fuel cells, and related technologies in ways that strategically contribute to realizing Minnesota's hydrogen economy goals. Additionally, DOC must report to the legislature every two years with a list of proposed pilot projects that contribute to realizing these goals, including those demonstrating hybrid electric technologies, off-road equipment, and vehicles operating on hydrogen fuel or fuels blended with hydrogen.

DOC may accept federal funds, expend funds, and participate in projects to design, develop, and construct multi-fuel hydrogen fueling stations that eventually link urban centers along key trade corridors across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These stations should accommodate a wide variety of vehicle technologies and fueling platforms, including hybrid electric, flexible fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. They may offer gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen, and may simultaneously test the integration of on-site combined heat and power technologies with the existing energy infrastructure.

The state's public research and higher education institutions are encouraged to collaborate to establish a regional energy research and education partnership for the production of renewable energy and products, including hydrogen, fuel cells, and related technologies.

(Reference Minnesota Statutes 216B.811 through 216B.815)