Questa's Green Hydrogen Revolution: From Mining Town to Renewable Energy Leader
Key Ideas
- Questa, New Mexico, is transforming from an industrial town to a renewable energy leader through a $231 million green hydrogen project on former Chevron land.
- Kit Carson Electric Cooperative's CEO, Luis Reyes, spearheaded the shift to 100% daytime solar power since 2022 and now aims for 24/7 solar electricity with green hydrogen.
- The green hydrogen project leverages federal funding, creating an energy battery for solar and wind power, reducing carbon emissions and making Questa a beacon for energy innovation.
- Partnerships between Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, the Village of Questa, and community organizations demonstrate a collaborative approach to sustainable energy solutions.
Questa, New Mexico, is undergoing a remarkable transformation from its industrial past to a clean energy future with the establishment of a green hydrogen project on land previously owned by Chevron. The $231 million grant received by Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in January 2025 is driving this initiative, aiming to store solar energy to ensure a continuous power supply even during nighttime or adverse weather conditions. The project represents a significant step towards achieving 100% renewable energy in Taos County and highlights Questa's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Luis Reyes, the CEO of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, has been instrumental in the community's shift towards solar power, making the cooperative 100% daytime solar powered since 2022. The challenge of storing solar energy for round-the-clock usage led to the exploration of green hydrogen as a viable solution. With federal funding from the USDA's Empowering Rural America Program, the cooperative is now venturing into green hydrogen power generation and battery storage, marking a new era in energy innovation for the region.
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using solar energy, offers a carbon-neutral alternative to traditional hydrogen production from natural gas. The project not only reduces carbon emissions but also serves as a sustainable energy battery for sources like solar and wind power. By partnering with the Village of Questa and other community organizations, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative is pioneering a collaborative approach to energy transition, setting a precedent for renewable energy initiatives nationwide. The Questa Community Coalition's acceptance into the Communities Local Energy Action Program signifies a promising future for Questa as a renewable energy leader.
Topics
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Sustainability
Energy Transition
Green Technology
Energy Innovation
Community Development
Federal Funding
Electric Cooperatives
Latest News