× It was an old apple orchard. Now it could be the future of clean hydrogen energy in Washington state. By Hal Bernton and James Bruggers, Hal Bernton and James Bruggers, The Seattle Times Published: April 19, 2021, 6:05am Share: EAST WENATCHEE, Douglas County — On warm spring days, when the Columbia River is swollen with snowmelt, hydropower generation soars at times when demand may be weak. Markets tank, and sending water through dam turbines can be a money-losing proposition. In a quest to end these red-ink power sales, the Douglas County Public Utility District is making a $20 million investment in a new, clean energy business.