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.
Related: Hydrogen energy projects set to transform New Mexico
