The Douglas County PUD is pushing ahead with their hydrogen production project. At their meeting Monday, PUD Commissioners approved the purchase of a second 5-megawatt electrolyzer – that's a system that uses electricity to break water into hydrogen and oxygen to create hydrogen.
The infrastructure currently being built in Baker Flats near East Wenatchee has capacity to accommodate up to 80 megawatts of green hydrogen production.
Additional hydrogen production capacity will create more opportunities at the Wells Hydroelectric Project as the PUD balances integrating renewables, variable seasonal pricing and fish water quality concerns. Increased efficiencies will reduce generator unit maintenance costs which translates to better rates and reliability for PUD customers.
Thanks to an expansion of tax credits for hydrogen equipment, Douglas County PUD recently received a five million dollar tax credit for equipment being installed at the hydrogen production facility.
Delivery of the second electrolyzer is anticipated to take 24 months. The PUD recently signed a contract for phase one of the hydrogen production and fueling facility. Site preparation, underground utilities and storage tank installation are all complete. Production of hydrogen is scheduled for June of next year.