Brief Description: Requesting the Columbia generating station be used for the commercial production of hydrogen.

Sponsors: Representatives Haler, Takko, Newhouse, Nixon, Moeller, Grant, Morris, B. Sullivan and Woods.

Hearing Date: 1/12/06

Staff: Scott Richards (786-7156).

Background:

Demonstration of Hydrogen Production at Existing Nuclear Power Plants
The Energy Policy of Act of 2005 calls for the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy to establish and provide for two projects in geographic areas that are regionally and climatically diverse to demonstrate the commercial production of hydrogen at existing nuclear power plants.

The Secretary is authorized by Congress to appropriate for the purpose of carrying out the demonstration not more than $100,000,000. Prior to making an award, the Secretary shall determine whether the use of existing nuclear power plants is a cost-effective means of producing hydrogen.

Columbia Generating Station
The Columbia Generating Station is a boiling water reactor that uses nuclear fission to produce heat. It is the only commercially operated nuclear power plant in the Northwest. Columbia Generating Station is licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to run for 40 years, until 2023.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature requests that the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy determine that the use of existing nuclear power plants is a cost-effective means of producing hydrogen.

The Legislature further requests that the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy provide for the establishment of a project at the Columbia Generating Station to demonstrate the commercial production of hydrogen at an existing nuclear power plant.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.