The containerized PEM equipment will be deployed at Douglas County Public Utility District (DCPUD) in East Wenatchee, Washington. At the utility’s hydroelectric project, the electrolyzer is intended to use excess power to help balance the grid instead of requiring generators to ramp up and down frequently. Nel said this can reduce mechanical adjustments and lower wear and maintenance on turbine units and associated equipment, while the hydrogen can also be used for other high-value applications.

The order is a firm purchase order for containerized PEM equipment. The stacks will be produced at Nel’s manufacturing facility in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Todd Cartwright, Chief Commercial Officer of Nel, said: “We are excited to work with a visionary customer like DCPUD, as this will be the first green hydrogen plant we have sold that will be owned and operated by a public utility. The flexible operation of our PEM electrolysers is enabling the district to balance load with demand, in addition to producing a high value fuel.”

Gary Ivory, General Manager of DCPUD, commented: “Our partnership with Nel Hydrogen will enable us to bring renewable hydrogen to our community. This will benefit our Wells Hydroelectric Project and advance hydrogen adoption in our region.

The PEM electrolyzers are scheduled to be operational in the first half of 2027.

Source:  Hydrotechworld