Hydrogen

Entergy exec: Southeast Texas ‘well positioned’ in growing hydrogen industry

The utility is working to bring the Orange County Advanced Power Station (OCAPS) to Bridge City, Texas.
Entergy exec: Southeast Texas ‘well positioned’ in growing hydrogen industry
A rendering of the proposed Orange County Advanced Power Station (Source: Entergy).

Entergy Texas President and CEO Eliecer Viamontes said the southeast region of the state is well-positioned to play a key role in the low- to zero-carbon hydrogen industry.

“We are in the heart of hydrogen producers, extensive hydrogen pipeline delivery infrastructure, hydrogen storage capability and industrial customers,” said Viamontes.

Entergy is working to bring the Orange County Advanced Power Station (OCAPS) to Bridge City, Texas. The 1,215-MW dual-fuel combined plant would have the initial capability to use up to 30% hydrogen by volume along with natural gas to generate power.

Mitsubishi Power, which is supplying two M501JAC gas turbines, says the plant would eventually work up to 100% hydrogen.

Entergy intends to file a request for approval to construct the Orange County Advanced Power Station with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. If regulators approve the utility’s application, construction would begin in the second quarter of 2023. Entergy expects the plant to be in service by summer 2026.

Viamontes said the ability to use hydrogen as an additional fuel source will provide reliability to Texans if the delivery of natural gas is constrained, like during 2021’s Winter Storm Uri.

Hydrogen also produces zero carbon emissions when utilized as the fuel source for electric generation.

It can also be produced carbon-free; Green hydrogen is produced when renewable resources are coupled with electrolyzers.

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