Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) announced the launch of the KCEC Hydrogen Safety Assessment project in partnership with ENTRUST Solutions Group (EN). This initiative aims to demonstrate the safety and diverse applications of hydrogen as a dependable source of electricity, focusing on Questa, NM, Penasco, NM, and the Town of Taos. Supported by a grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE), this project marks a significant step towards deploying sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for residents and businesses throughout the KCEC service territory.

EN and KCEC will conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments to demonstrate the safety and viability of using hydrogen technology as a reliable and secure source of electricity. The initiative will follow a standard safety management system framework to maintain the highest safety standards throughout future design and operational phases. Key focuses of this project include:

• Hydrogen Safety Assessment: A detailed safety assessment will identify and mitigate public, operational and safety risks, ensuring the safe management of hydrogen facilities once they become operational.
• Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Safety Plan: EN will facilitate a PHA on the conceptual design of the hydrogen facility to identify and evaluate risks, threats, and hazards. This analysis will include reviewing potential incidents, evaluating engineering and administrative controls, considering facility siting and human factors, and recommending risk mitigation. Additionally, this analysis will confidently address and identify all potential risks to public KCEC members, ensuring the project is safe for implementation. EN will draft a safety framework and mitigation plan based on the PHA findings.
• Community Engagement, Education, and Outreach: KCEC and EN will maintain ongoing engagement with the community to ensure that cooperative member-owners and other stakeholders are fully informed about the project and its benefits. The input and feedback from KCEC members are essential to reinforce that KCEC's clean hydrogen project exceeds the safety requirements of its members. Numerous public listening and feedback sessions will be scheduled to address questions and suggestions from cooperative member-owners and community leaders, incorporating feedback into the overall plan.

"After extensive discussions with community members and groups, the primary concern raised has been the safety of KCEC's Clean Hydrogen Project. We are working in collaboration with ENTRUST to address all questions and concerns. Kit Carson is committed to pioneering sustainable energy solutions for our communities," said Luis Reyes, CEO of Kit Carson Electric. "The KCEC Clean Hydrogen Project highlights our dedication to innovation and safety in the pursuit of clean energy."

The outcomes of this project will pave the way for the detailed design and implementation of hydrogen technology, positioning Kit Carson as a leader in sustainable energy.

“ENTRUST is grateful for the opportunity to support Kit Carson's leadership team and Board as they advance their strategic plan focused on delivering affordable, sustainable, and reliable generation to its rural and tribal members. As always, Kit Carson continues to lead the cooperative sector in bringing safe and innovative technologies that benefit its membership," said Jessica Zufolo, Vice President for Rural Infrastructure at ENTRUST.