Centralia Coal Transition Board awards grant to support innovation and education
Centralia, (October 18, 2024) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board is pleased to announce Picazo Industries has been awarded a grant in the amount of $19,000 to support a hydrogen powered tractor project. The hydrogen powered tractor will consist of a John Deere Model B tractor that will be housed at the King Agriculture Museum where it will provide an educational opportunity for visitors to learn about hydrogen power and its benefits as well be showcased at community events.
Picazo Industries (H2 Creations) is a small company that seeks to help people understand the power of hydrogen and was created in 2023. The owner and operator of the company created a hydrogen-powered go-kart that was a hybrid and could switch between hydrogen and gasoline, capable of running solely on hydrogen (https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-high-school-student-wins-awards-for-building-a-hydrogen-powered-go-kart,327314). This hydrogen powered tractor project is the next step in demonstrating the potential of hydrogen and showing what can be achieved if you put your mind to something.
The Energy Technology Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington. This agreement allowed for the Centralia plant to move away from coal-fired operations with one unit retiring in December 2020 and the second unit in December 2025. TransAlta is investing $55 million into Lewis and South Thurston counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.
Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;
Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;
Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.