Michigan Moves to Explore Natural Hydrogen with New Statewide Directive

The State of Michigan has taken a formal step toward evaluating natural (geologic) hydrogen as a future energy resource, following the signing of a new executive directive by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The directive instructs multiple state agencies to assess regulatory, leasing, and infrastructure requirements necessary to support hydrogen exploration and development across the state.

Announced during the Detroit Auto Show, the initiative positions Michigan as one of the first U.S. states to explicitly explore policy frameworks for geologic hydrogen. Governor Whitmer stated that if Michigan’s subsurface hydrogen resources prove safe and commercially viable, they could unlock a “massive economic boom,” including job creation, lower energy costs, and reduced reliance on imported fuels.

Under the directive, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will assess legal barriers to leasing state-owned subsurface rights for hydrogen exploration, while the Michigan Public Service Commission will evaluate infrastructure needs. Additional reports from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will address permitting authority and statutory gaps. All reports are due by April 1, 2026.

The policy move follows a January 2025 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report identifying Michigan as one of the most prospective states for geologic hydrogen accumulation. According to USGS researchers, the state contains all three essential elements for hydrogen systems: hydrogen generation mechanisms, porous reservoirs, and effective geological seals.

Academic and industry experts have welcomed the directive as a signal of seriousness. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan have emphasized that geologic hydrogen could offer a lower-cost, lower-emission alternative to manufactured hydrogen, particularly for heavy transport, industrial heat, and energy-intensive applications.

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