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Xcel Energy is exploring hydrogen as a way to store carbon-free energy and help reach our carbon-free by 2050 vision. Since this is a new technology, we aren’t sure what our customers would think of using hydrogen in this way, and what education would be required when we roll out this technology.

The Minnetonka VANTAGE high school students are helping us close this gap. They will complete surveys and focus groups to gauge understanding and public sentiment related to potentially using hydrogen as a means to store and generate electricity. The results of their efforts will be used in conjunction with other Xcel Energy communications strategies to develop educational and marketing materials related to hydrogen.

On April 18^th, Xcel Energy and Women in Nuclear hosted five students who are working on the hydrogen survey, as well as four teachers from Minnetonka High School for a plant tour.  Students and teachers toured the Reactor and Turbine buildings with highlights of the Main Control Room, Refuel Floor and Emergency Diesel Generators.  Following lunch, the students gave their mid-project presentation to their Xcel Energy Project sponsors.

Support for the tour was provided by Julie Weber (Operations), Drew Herrmann (Operations), Brian Mork (Operations), Matt Ritzer (Security), Dennis Pilarski (Security) and Olivia Thul (Business Support).