NIOBRARA COUNTY - A new tower could eventually adorn state land situated within the confines of Niobrara County. The erection of the tower would represent an early phase in the Sidewinder Clean Hydrogen Center, a proposed facility designed to produce “clean hydrogen.” Working in tandem with existing resources, this “clean hydrogen” could play an integral role in promoting the energy independence of the United States.

A consent form for the tower was presented by the Wyoming Office of State Lands to the county commissioners during their March 4 meeting. The commissioners subsequently signed and submitted the form. Kate Peters, a team member of the Sidewinder project, stated that the presentation of the consent form was a necessary procedural step in the placement of the tower.

“The [Sidewinder] project is required to take some steps to make sure that it [the communications tower] doesn’t interfere with any EMS activities or other entities in the county that use microwave technology,” Peters said.  

The parcel of state land tentatively designated for the tower amounts to one acre. Peters stated that a final microwave study to is being completed. Once the security of the county’s legacy microwave technologies has been assured, the process of establishing the tower can proceed.

Presently, the county is finalizing the land use plan, which will act as a guide for the planning and zoning of the Sidewinder project. Following this phase, an application will have to be prepared and submitted by the Sidewinder team to the county.

“Obviously, this is a long process and quite a bit of time may go by between steps,” said Peters.

In the meantime, the Sidewinder team continues to engage the community with contributions to local charitable efforts. Last August, the project made a donation to the anniversary celebration of the Niobrara Senior Center. The Sidewinder team also contributed to the Food Pantry, which is closely affiliated with the Senior Center. According to Peters, plans for more charitable giving are on the table, including a contribution to the upcoming Youth Livestock Auction.  

“We are working on several other commitments in Niobrara,” Peters said. “We are planning to continue sponsoring things and participating in events. The intention is to continue to support the community.”

Those who would like to learn more about the Sidewinder Clean Hydrogen project can do so by visiting https://www.sidewinderh2.com/.