Duke Energy, a leading energy company, is planning to construct a hydrogen-production and storage facility in DeBary, aiming to generate green and clean electricity.
The pioneering project will involve separating hydrogen from reclaimed water and storing it on-site. With the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Duke Energy seeks to blend hydrogen with natural gas to generate electricity. The project aligns with the federal government’s incentives for environmentally friendly initiatives and comes as part of the larger push to reduce carbon emissions. In this article, we will explore the details of Duke Energy’s hydrogen facility, including its technology, potential impact, and the concerns raised by the community.
Technology and Construction Timeline Duke Energy’s hydrogen facility will be located on land adjacent to the utility’s solar farm on the west side of DeBary. The facility will utilize reclaimed water as a source for hydrogen production. The hydrogen will be blended with natural gas and used to power gas turbines, while excess hydrogen will be stored in containers on-site. The construction of the facility is estimated to begin early next year, with the equipment installation phase, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The lead engineer for the project, Kristen Cooper, confirmed the timeline and highlighted the importance of the project in complementing Duke’s existing power plant.
The hydrogen-production facility in DeBary represents Duke Energy’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. By utilizing hydrogen, a clean and versatile fuel, Duke aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation. The project aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides incentives and tax credits to utilities investing in environmentally friendly initiatives. Duke Energy estimates the cost of the hydrogen facility at $100 million and expects to benefit from a 30-percent tax credit for the capital investment.
The hydrogen complex in DeBary is expected to have several positive impacts on the community. Firstly, it will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with broader environmental goals. Secondly, the project will create employment opportunities during the construction phase and potentially during the facility’s operation. Additionally, the facility’s location adjacent to the existing solar farm allows for efficient integration and utilization of resources. The hydrogen facility will support Duke Energy’s efforts to meet the growing energy demands of the region while reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
While Duke Energy’s hydrogen facility has received approval from the DeBary City Council, some community members have raised concerns. One of the main concerns is the safety of handling hydrogen, given its combustible nature. However, Duke Energy’s consultant, Richard Zwolak, assured council members that the facility would adhere to strict safety protocols and that any potential risks would be mitigated. The Fire Chief confirmed that extensive safety planning and overengineering have been conducted, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to handle and store hydrogen safely.
