It was an old apple orchard. Now it could be the future of clean hydrogen energy in Washington state.

Portland-based NW Natural has been on the frontiers of this movement. The company has experimented with blends of hydrogen in pipelines, cooktops, water heaters and appliances.

Then last October, the utility announced a partnership with Eugene Water & Electric Board to operate a 5-megawatt electrolyzer that will produce green hydrogen. Some of it then will be combined with carbon dioxide in a thermal process to create the chemical equivalent of natural gas.

“We’re focused on getting as much low-cost renewable gas to our customers as possible,” said Chris Kroeker, emerging technology manager at NW Natural. “And we’re preparing for that future.”