May 10, 2025 — ENTRUST Solutions Group, a leader in power and energy infrastructure transformation through comprehensive engineering and consulting services, has partnered with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) on the KCEC Hydrogen Safety Assessment Project. This project, made possible through a grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE), focuses on showcasing hydrogen’s potential as a reliable electricity source. It also marks a pivotal move toward providing sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions for communities within the KCEC service area in northern New Mexico.
Designed to address concerns about hydrogen technology and its application as a dependable electricity source, this initiative underscores ENTRUST’s commitment to safety and innovation. ENTRUST and KCEC will collaborate to conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments across targeted locations, including Questa, Penasco, and Taos, New Mexico. They will follow a rigorous safety management system framework to ensure the highest safety standards during both the design and operational phases.
ENTRUST will conduct an extensive process hazard analysis (PHA) to evaluate the conceptual design of each hydrogen facility and identify potential risks. From this analysis, ENTRUST will create a detailed safety framework to guide future development. The project will prioritize open communication by actively engaging KCEC’s surrounding communities through public listening and feedback sessions, ensuring community members stay informed and involved every step of the way.
Jessica Zufolo, ENTRUST’s vice president of rural infrastructure strategy, said, “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.”
Luis Reyes, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative CEO, said, “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. The KCEC Clean Hydrogen Project highlights our dedication to innovation and safety in the pursuit of clean energy.”
With a longstanding dedication to renewable energy, KCEC has already achieved 100 percent local, distributed daytime solar energy. This partnership will expand KCEC’s clean energy portfolio, utilizing hydrogen facilities strategically located within its service territory to enhance its electrical system.
KCEC will collaborate with its local partners regarding the project, including the Picuris Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, the Town of Taos, and the Village of Questa. The Taos Pueblo community will contribute a portion of the solar energy needed to power the clean hydrogen facilities. This collective effort illustrates a shared commitment to advancing clean energy technologies that improve the quality of life for local communities.
ENTRUST Solutions Group appreciates the critical support of New Mexico’s federal legislators in securing the funding needed to make this project possible. Together with KCEC, ENTRUST is dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards while addressing the evolving needs of energy systems through innovation and collaboration.
ENTRUST Solutions Group’s 3,100+ professionals across 40+ locations lead power and energy infrastructure transformation across North America. They provide comprehensive and dependable engineering, design, and consulting services to utilities, operators, and industrial customers with excellence from start to finish. For more information, please visit entrustsol.com.
Formed in 1944, Kit Carson is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative in northern New Mexico and is the second largest cooperative in the state. Kit Carson is one of 16 electric cooperatives that serve rural New Mexico communities, serving nearly 30,000 members in Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties. To learn more about Kit Carson, visit kitcarson.com.
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