Knowledge is (green) power in St. Cloud

Hydrogen is a fuel that can be used in various ways, like generating heat or fueling vehicles. However, the way hydrogen is produced matters. Traditional production methods rely on fossil fuels like natural gas and coal, leading to harmful carbon emissions.

At the NEW Recovery Facility, hydrogen is created through a process called electrolysis, where wastewater is split into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer powered by renewable energy. This method produces what’s known as "green hydrogen" because it doesn’t generate carbon emissions, making it a pollution-free alternative for energy, transportation, and heating needs.



Wastewater treatment is typically very energy-intensive. By using technology like green hydrogen production on-site, St. Cloud is working to decarbonize its operations, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recognizing the importance of making information about the Green Hydrogen Project accessible to all residents, the City of St. Cloud used its CERTs Seed Grant to fund translation services. As a result, five educational pieces were translated into Spanish and Somali, the two most commonly spoken languages in St. Cloud after English.

• English Language Handout (PDF)
• Spanish Language Handout (PDF)
• Somali Language Handout (PDF)

News releases about project milestones and upcoming events are also being translated to reach a wider audience.

This project is part of St. Cloud’s broader efforts to make public services and information more accessible to locals.

“Residents who don’t speak English as a first language should still be able to access information about the public services provided in the city,” says Elizabeth Kramer, sustainability coordinator for St. Cloud.

Kramer says the city has vastly expanded their public education efforts in the last five years. 

“In addition to translating materials like brochures and informational handouts, St. Cloud has been hosting tours of public utilities facilities and sites, giving presentations, installing public education, art pieces, and more.”

With construction set to wrap up in 2027, the city plans to host an open house where community members can check out the new electrolyzer firsthand. Naturally, event invitations and information will be made available in multiple languages to ensure everyone feels welcome.

With efforts like the Green Hydrogen Project, St. Cloud isn’t just supporting clean energy, they’re fueling a greener, more connected community.