Meaghan Vibbert
Public Information Officer
(509) 881-2221
News Release – February 13, 2023
Douglas County PUD Commissioners Ronald E. Skagen, Aaron J. Viebrock and Molly Simpson approved the purchase of a second 5MW electrolyzer to advance the green hydrogen project into phase two. The infrastructure currently being built in Baker Flats has capacity to accommodate up to 80MW of green hydrogen production.
Additional hydrogen production capacity will create more opportunities at the Wells Hydroelectric Project as we balance 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 our customer owners.
“There is a high demand for green hydrogen. Our Wells Hydroelectric Project also positions us to take advantage of the state and federal incentives to advance green hydrogen opportunities in our region,” said Gary Ivory, Douglas PUD General Manager.
Thanks to an expansion of tax credits for hydrogen equipment, Douglas PUD recently received a $5M tax credit for equipment being installed at the hydrogen production facility.
“Douglas PUD is in a unique position to shape the policies being crafted around green hydrogen for the benefit of our customers. We appreciate the legislatures’ support of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Associations hydrogen hub application,” said Ron Skagen, Douglas PUD Commission President.
Delivery of the second electrolyzer is anticipated to take 24 months. Douglas PUD recently signed a contract with IMCO General Construction 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 2024.
Douglas PUD is a not-for-profit public utility in Washington State with an 840MW Hydroelectric Project on the Columbia River, a countywide fiber optic network, and a green hydrogen production facility underdevelopment. We serve 17,000 customer-owners with reliable power and the fastest internet service available. Our three elected commissioners are committed to providing the best possible utility services at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business principles.
Douglas PUD is a member of the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance, Washington Green Hydrogen Alliance, and Pacific Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Association.