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According to a news release, the coalition agreement focuses on
improving Illinois decarbonization efforts. The deal highlights
decarbonization goals and promises to rely entirely on clean
energy by 2050. Other states joining the coalition include
Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.
"I think that the skeptic in me says, 'God, this sounds great;
the impulse is great, but what the heck is it going to be,'"
Maisch told The Center Square. "If they knew what was going to
be, they would tell us in this press release."
Pritzker said that by joining the coalition, Illinois will
create "more clean energy sector jobs and lower carbon emissions
in the manufacturing and transportation sectors across the state
and region.”
According to the release, shifting to clean energy will happen
by working with academic professionals and leaders in the
industry, engaging the community and leveraging colleges and
universities to lead in the research and development of
"innovative clean energy technologies."
The release also states that investing in clean hydrogen is
vital for decarbonizing the transportation, manufacturing and
agriculture industries.
"There are a lot of businesses in which they believe that
electric motors, for the foreseeable future, are simply not
going to work for their product," Maisch said. "So, think about
combines; think about earth movers out in the field. They can't
shut down for two, three, four hours and have somebody bring out
a generator and recharge an electric engine."
Maisch said hydrogen power allows for a much longer and more
powerful utilization that's far superior to electric power.
Suppose the hydrogen power plant becomes viable for an earth
mover or a combine, it would quickly replace electric vehicles
when they make them smaller and put them in smaller vehicles, he
said.
"I think that they are correct in identifying hydrogen power as
perhaps even an important energy resource that may in many ways
leapfrog electric vehicles and become the next standard,” Maisch
said. "Electric vehicles are getting a lot of attention, rightly
so, but I really do believe that hydrogen-powered vehicles may
be the thing that really replaces electric vehicles sooner than
you may think."
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