Cat Strumlauf | Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
Liberal, KS – August 28, 2024 – City Council members Tuesday night approved an agreement with Apex Clean Energy for a water procurement option contract, an early step as Apex explores the development of a green hydrogen facility, which could create significant opportunity for Kansas as a leader in the nascent sector.
Effluent water would be sourced from the Liberal Wastewater Treatment Facility, creating a new, reliable, and significant revenue stream for the city.
Mayor Jose Lara said, “This partnership between our city’s wastewater and the new hydrogen opportunity marks a significant step toward a sustainable future. By converting wastewater into clean hydrogen energy, we are not only reducing environmental impact but also driving economic growth. This initiative will create new jobs and stimulate local businesses without affecting our community’s water consumption, ensuring that our resources are used efficiently and helping us reduce property taxes. The increased economic benefit from renewable energy will be felt throughout the county, promoting long-term prosperity.”
“This is a huge win for Liberal and Seward County. Apex Clean Energy has recognized the resource and location advantages that come from building their business here, and we’re excited to see the opportunities they can create in our community,” said Eli Svaty, executive director of the Seward County Development Corporation. “Several types of clean energy companies have recently shared their interest in expanding into Seward County, so hopefully this is the first of many developments helping our community lead the new era of clean energy production in southwestern Kansas.”
“Liberal has continued to thrive because we’ve made wise choices on the most sustainable use of our water resources,” City Manager Rusty Varnado said. “Selling our treated wastewater to this hydrogen facility will generate significant revenues from a byproduct that would otherwise go unused. Adding this revenue stream will benefit all residents, and welcoming a clean energy business into Liberal will revolutionize our local economy.”
“This collaboration demonstrates how innovative energy solutions can align with community interests, potentially positioning Kansas as a key player in the emerging green fuels sector,” said Barrett Thomas, Apex development manager. “We applaud Liberal’s strategic approach to resource management and economic development, and look forward to the possibilities this partnership could bring to both the industry and the local economy.”
Renewable energy projects, including green fuels facilities, have been gaining popularity because of the impressive economic benefits to their host communities, including, in 2023:
21,000 new American manufacturing jobs
$200 billion in new capital investments created by renewables
Billions in loans to rural communities for expanded electric infrastructure
Additionally, clean power projects provide critical tax base and economic benefits to schools, counties, community service providers, and taxpayers.