The announcement was made on 3 May at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. The factory will be built in steps to match supply with demand. A final investment will require a separate decision.
Over the past year, Nel has assessed a wide range of states for the location of its new manufacturing facility, and the company has now concluded that Michigan is the best option.
“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,” said Nel’s CEO, Håkon Volldal. “I will also highlight the personal engagement from Governor Whitmer and her competent and service-minded team.”
Volldal emphasized that the short distance to General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, has played a decisive role in the choice of state. The two companies collaborate to develop further and improve Nel’s PEM electrolyser technology.
“Having Nel’s new facility close to our home base of HYDROTEC development, in southeastern Michigan, will help us more quickly accelerate our electrolyzer collaboration,” said GM executive director of HYDROTEC Charlie Freese. “This technology is critical in helping bring down costs, while also creating a more sustainable hydrogen supply.”
