Williams is a key supporter of a new center dedicated to applied hydrogen research at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER).
Williams is giving $500,000 over five years to support the center focused on growing a hydrogen industry in Wyoming.
Holly Krutka, executive director of SER, said the gift demonstrates Williams’ dedication to its employees and assets in Wyoming.
“This contribution, along with that already received from Anschutz, federal research grants and support from the state of Wyoming, will allow SER to officially stand up the Hydrogen Energy Research Center (H2ERC) by hiring its first dedicated research staff.”
Williams is proud to play a leading role in this important step toward the research and development of a clean hydrogen economy in Wyoming and beyond, said Chad Zamarin, senior vice president of corporate strategic development at Williams.
“As a longtime owner and operator of energy infrastructure in Wyoming, Williams is well positioned to leverage our existing assets for the blending, storage and transportation of green hydrogen to local and regional markets, including the Pacific Northwest via our Northwest Pipeline,” he said.
Brian Hlavinka, director of Williams’ New Energy Ventures team, said Wyoming is an important state in the future of hydrogen development.
“We are excited to play a leading role in the development of these opportunities, along with support from the forward-thinking team at SER. Williams’ existing natural gas infrastructure will continue to be the key to unlocking the energy solutions of the future.”
Williams employees are ready for the challenge, said Candyce Fly Lee, vice president, Rockies, Gathering and Processing.
“It’s a perfect partnership with Wyoming stakeholders, the school and our skilled talent,” she said. “We have great assets and great people excited about a sustainable future.”
A member of the Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition, Williams is leading the way for clean hydrogen to exist in a low carbon economy and is heavily invested in hydrogen development in Wyoming. In fall of 2021, Williams was a recipient of a grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority as part of the Wyoming Hydrogen Pilot.
The company is currently conducting a feasibility study to evaluate water access, compatibility and asset integrity in support of green hydrogen production. The study is being conducted in partnership with SER.