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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Norway-Based Nel Plans Detroit, Michigan, Gigawatt Electrolyser Manufacturing Facility

05/08/2023
Norway-based Nel, a global pure play hydrogen technology company, plans to build an automated gigawatt electrolyser manufacturing facility in metro Detroit, Michigan. The $400 million project is expected to create more than 500 jobs.

The new facility will be among the largest electrolyser manufacturing plants in the world and will have a production capacity of up to 4GW of Alkaline and PEM electrolysers. The company will build on its fully automated Alkaline manufacturing concept invented at Herøya in Norway.

"The choice of Michigan is based on an overall assessment of what the state can offer in terms of financial incentives, access to a highly skilled workforce, and cooperation with universities, research institutions, and strategic partners. I will also highlight the personal engagement from Governor Whitmer and her competent and service-minded team," says Nel's CEO, Håkon Volldal.

The short distance to General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, has played a decisive role in the choice of state, according to company officials. The two companies collaborate to develop further and improve Nel's PEM electrolyser technology.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming this significant investment by Nel Hydrogen as we continue to position Michigan as a leader in clean technology while highlighting our state as a climate winner,” noted?Quentin Messer, Jr.,?CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “Governor Whitmer’s recent trip to Norway was critical in securing this tremendous investment in Michigan’s clean energy future. We are grateful for the ongoing legislative support of economic development programs that supported this opportunity. Today’s announcement demonstrates Michigan’s culture of innovation and commitment to providing creative solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

Nel specializes in electrolyser technology for production of renewable hydrogen, and hydrogen fueling equipment for road-going vehicles. The company’s product offerings are key enablers for a green hydrogen economy, making it possible to decarbonize various industries such as transportation, refining, steel, and ammonia. Nel's PEM electrolysers have been developed through decades of support from the U.S. Department of Energy.

“The road to advanced mobility and a clean-energy future goes through the Detroit Region,” added Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP). “Hydrogen is playing a major role in redefining how the world moves and Nel is at the forefront of that evolution. Attracting such a global innovator in this rapidly emerging, cutting-edge industry speaks volumes about the talent and advanced manufacturing in our region.”

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