Green hydrogen?

Bair Energy appears before Elk Mountain Town Council to discuss proposed hydrogen plant

As renewable energy continues to flock Wyoming—and Carbon County—another potential energy project could be coming to Elk Mountain.

Nicholas Bair, CEO and COO of Bair Energy, appeared before the Elk Mountain Town Council during their March 14 meeting.Bair Energy introduced himself to the town because his company has leased land near the Town of Elk Mountain from Tetra LLC to build an electrolysis unit to produce green hydrogen and oxygen. The project will have a hydrogen and oxygen production facility along with a hydrogen fueling station. The facility will convert renewable energy into green hydrogen and high purity green oxygen. The hydrogen will be marketed as a replacement for natural gas, propane, and other carbon-based energy carriers.

It appeared nearly the entire adult population of Elk Mountain was present to hear Bair’s presentation.

Bair will be appearing before the Carbon County Planning and Zoning Commission April 4, hoping to be granted a conditional use permit for construction. He has asked the town for a letter of support. Mayor Morgan Irene explained it would require the council’s blessing to do so. 

He told Irene the company the company has bought a permitted wind project north of Elk Mountain and will install 12 Seimens brand wind turbines to provide their own power. 1200 acre site.

According to Bair the Siemens equipment will produce 14,000 gallons “Green” hydrogen per day using 50 gpm water.  Bair said water will be trucked in by hydrogen powered water truck. Bair saw potential in partnering with Wyotech to help with conversion of trucks.

The mayor, council and were it was a $100 million project all privately funded. No government subsidies involved. Bair said the financial backing in place.

Bair pointed out the State of Wyoming has committed to partnership for adding “liquefaction” to turn hydrogen into liquid allowing larger quantities to be transported in a truck, but is not currently part of this plant plan. Bair said future hydrogen fueling stations on I-80 corridor was desired by State of Wyoming. Bair said there was a partnership with Toyota testing hydrogen 4x4 Tundras was in process. 

Bair projected hydrogen shipped to two refineries on I-80. He estimated 75 trucks would haul loads of hydrogen. Five days’ worth of storage would be available in case of closed roads. He told the audience the hydrogen contracts would be based on quarterly numbers since hydrogen will only be produced when wind power is available. Bair Energies conservative number is 46 percent output.

The packed audience asked questions of Bair. Several members pointed out the location for the hydrogen facility was on a road which got tremendous snow in an area that got a lot of snow in winter. It was pointed out the road was closed often.

The East of Elk Mountain at Exit 260 and I-80; west side of Carbon County Road #3. It will be on a little over 31 acres.

There were those in the audience that questioned what 75 trucks would do to an area that is treacherous in the winter with just normal traffic.

“I am here tonight to listen to your concerns,” Bair said. “It is very important Bair Energies works with the Elk Mountain community.”

Elk Mountain resident Reese Johnson questioned the facilities impact on the landscape. She told Bair that Elk Mountain was a bucolic place and residents did not want something which would detract from its beauty.

Bair said he understood the concern but felt the location would not damage the landscape. After an hour and a half Bair offered to come back and answer more questions from the town. 

The town is hosting an open house at the Elk Mountain Hotel with Mr. Bair and additional company officers at 6 to 8:30 p.m. on April 3. Bair said he encouraged questions and promised to follow up to all issues brought up by the residents.

At a little 8 p.m. the regular Elk Mountain Town Council meeting started. All council members were in attendance along with the mayor. The department reports were reviewed. Public works said the water tank was fixed. There was discussion about the museum door needing to tiles removed from at the entranceway going through the door. When it gets warm it is believed the tiles swell and make opening the door difficult. 

Carbon County Economic Development Corporation director Yvonne Johnson told the council that there was a new website recently launched. She looked forward to their comments. Johnson kept her report short on the activities happening in Carbon County because of the late hour.

The financials in the amount of $23,848.00 were approved. 

The annual Easter Egg hunt in the town will be on April 16.

The council approved adding council member Joe Neel to RNB State Bank checking account.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on April 18 at the Town Hall.

 

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