Clean Power

Jetstream Wind, Inc., a New Mexico energy technology firm, broke ground this July to build the world’s first zero-emissions hydrogen power plant using solar and wind power, and other renewable energy sources, to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen could later then be stored and transferred to already existing grids producing enough electricity to power around 6,000 homes and businesses.

The hydrogen will be converted through an electrolyzer near the Truth or Consequences plant using a solar installation, or other renewable energy source, to supply the direct-current electricity. The plant’s location is on a 600-acre cattle ranch close to Spaceport America. The sustainable process can also produce distilled water as a byproduct without emitting greenhouse gases to the environment.

While permits are still pending, the firm expects construction to be completed up to a year or more after approval. The $219 million project is being funded by private investors and is expected to create nearly 150 construction jobs and 30 permanent jobs.

In addition to the construction in Truth or Consequences, two other plants are scheduled to be built at the San Ildefonso and Nambe pueblos in New Mexico, as well as one in Hawaii, with upcoming plans for projects worldwide.

Image by Lollie Pop on Flickr courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing.