New Mexico's green hydrogen project faces community and funding challenges

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in Questa, New Mexico, aims to develop a green hydrogen plant to store renewable energy, but the project must overcome funding issues and local skepticism about water usage.

Mary Catherine O’Connor reports for High Country News.

In short:

Kit Carson Electric seeks to build a green hydrogen plant to store renewable energy at a former Superfund site in Questa.
The project faces local concerns over water usage, especially in drought-prone areas, and skepticism about new technologies.
Securing federal funding is crucial, as green hydrogen projects compete with cheaper "blue" hydrogen alternatives.

Key quote:

"I think in the end, most people are the same. We want affordable rates. We want (electricity) to be on all the time. And we want to have a say in what’s happening within our community."

— Luis Reyes, CEO of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative.

Why this matters:

Green hydrogen represents a potential path to clean energy, but its viability depends on community support and significant investment. Balancing water use with energy needs is especially critical in drought-stricken areas like New Mexico.

www.hcn.org

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