Media Release: Hydrogen-Powered Nikola Class 8 Truck Achieves Ground-breaking Milestone with Historic Canadian Road Trip, Driving Net-Zero Transportation Forward
Sector: Hydrogen
Published On: February 14, 2024
Zero-Emissions Round Trip from Edmonton to Calgary in Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck
February 14, 2024 (Edmonton Metropolitan Region) – In a historic feat for sustainable transportation in Alberta, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) proudly announces the successful completion of its first-ever long-range journey in Canada with one of its two Class 8 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric commercial trucks it purchased. The ground-breaking Nikola truck, which is 100% fueled by hydrogen, and emits only water vapour, covered the approximately 500-kilometer round trip along the province’s busiest transportation corridor without the need to refuel and with plenty of hydrogen left in its tanks. This marks a significant stride in the development and implementation of clean energy solutions in the transportation sector.
Departing on a round trip from Edmonton to Calgary, the hydrogen fuel cell electric truck demonstrated its capability to cover extended distances without compromising performance. Other zero-emission vehicles that have been tested in Alberta have shown themselves to be better suited for shorter haul operations. This achievement sets a new benchmark for the viability and potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source for long-haul, heavy-duty commercial transportation.
“On January 24th, 2024, we completed a Canadian first by taking AMTA’s Nikola Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) through Alberta’s busiest corridor using only 61% of the tank of hydrogen. This historic roundtrip between Edmonton and Calgary was a tremendous success and proved these zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) are more than capable for long-haul operations in our province, compared to other ZEV capacities tested in Alberta which are better suited for return-to-base short-haul operations. For this initial test, the truck was hauling an empty trailer weighing 14,000lbs. As this vehicle supports 82,000lbs the next step will be to determine the hydrogen consumption with a stocked trailer.” – Robert Harper, Acting President, AMTA
“We are thrilled to work with partners such as Nikola and Bison Transport on these exciting projects, and we want to thank PrairiesCan for the support in making these projects possible. Watching the vehicle drive back into Edmonton after a completed journey was incredible to witness. This event is an enormous win for our province in the zero-emissions sector, and there is so much more to come.” – Terri Johnson, Manager of Industry Advancement, AMTA
“Completing the round trip from Edmonton to Calgary marks a significant milestone for our Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck. Canada is taking a progressive approach to hydrogen which has paved the way for this ground-breaking journey. The success of this long-range journey showcases the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution for heavy-duty commercial transportation, and we are thrilled about the possibilities it holds for advancing the adoption throughout the transportation industry.” – Jorg Wimbert, Nikola Regional Head, Canada
“To meet net-zero targets we need 30,000 hydrogen-fueled vehicles on the road by 2035 – the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge will collectively de-risk and kickstart this transition. This historic trip is a big step forward for the Challenge. Alberta will be a leader in Canada by accelerating the development of the full hydrogen value chain starting in the Edmonton region – we’ll demonstrate it here first, then expand across the country.” – Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global
Government of Canada Announces Federal Investment in Gatineau Clean Hydrogen Production
From: Natural Resources Canada
News release
February 1, 2024 Gatineau, Quebec Natural Resources Canada
Communities across Canada are looking for cleaner and more affordable energy options, and the Government of Canada is investing to create good jobs and scale up clean technology solutions. This includes investing in innovations in clean fuels such as hydrogen that can reduce or replace higher-emissions fuels.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau, announced an investment of more than $3.3 million in Gazifère Inc. for a clean fuels project in Gatineau, Quebec, for a total project cost of over $7.3 million.
The investment will support Gazifère in conducting a hydrogen blending feasibility study. Specifically, the study will assess the development of a water electrolysis facility that would allow for the injection of low-carbon hydrogen to help decarbonize Gazifère’s gas distribution network across the Outaouais region. This result is estimated to reduce emissions by over 18,000 tonnes annually by displacing nearly 10 million cubic metres of conventional gas per year. Gazifère will seek further emissions reductions through waste -heat recovery.
This investment will help unlock growth in Canada’s clean fuels market and lay the groundwork for the low-carbon fuels of the future. These initiatives are important to the growth of Canada’s clean fuels industry in order to keep pace with the global demand to act on climate change while bolstering energy security and delivering affordability.
Canada is establishing itself as a global supplier of choice for clean energy in a net-zero world, boasting one of the world’s most comprehensive and detailed climate plans, a wealth of natural resources and a skilled workforce — ensuring a prosperous and clean future for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Quotes
“Today, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to advancing low-carbon energy solutions with a $3.3-million investment in Gazifère Inc.’s clean fuels project in Gatineau, Quebec. This hydrogen blending feasibility project will help advance the decarbonization of Gazifère’s gas distribution network while creating jobs and unlocking innovation in Canada’s clean fuels market.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“This important announcement unveils a $3.3-million investment in Gazifère Inc.’s clean energy project, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to overcoming barriers in the clean energy market for gas grids, industrials and heavy transportation. This strategic regional initiative accelerates our path to global leadership in clean energy, fostering a prosperous, clean future.”
The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Gatineau
“As we invest over $3.3 million in Gazifère Inc.’s clean fuels project, we are not just funding infrastructure — we are investing in a cleaner, greener tomorrow. This hydrogen blending feasibility study represents our commitment to innovation, reducing emissions and propelling Canada toward clean energy solutions. By supporting projects like these, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future for all Canadians.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada
We welcome the support of Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Steven Mackinnon, Member of Parliament for the Canadian House of Commons, for our regional decarbonization project in the Outaouais region. Together, with the announcement of this investment from the federal government for our hydrogen project, we are building a sustainable energy future. This is a major step toward the realization of a large-scale project that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus offer green energy at reasonable cost for many uses, such as transportation, the industrial sector and the greening of the gas grid. This project brings together local and regional partners to shape an innovative and responsible energy transition in the Outaouais region.”
Jean-Benoit Trahan
President, Gazifère
“The introduction of green hydrogen into Gatineau’s gas network represents a significant step forward for the city’s environmental policy and our Climate Plan to reduce our carbon footprint. This investment is crucial, offering a promising opportunity to diversify the local economy. It is attracting the interest of new industrial and heavy transport players keen to decarbonize their operations by taking advantage of a reliable, local supply of green hydrogen.”
France Bélisle
Mayor of Gatineau
Quick facts
- Federal funding was provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Fuels Fund (CFF), which supports building new and expanding existing clean fuel production facilities, including hydrogen, renewable diesel, synthetic fuels, renewable natural gas and sustainable aviation fuel. The fund also supports feasibility and front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies that will create jobs and enable the sector to grow at the size and pace required to contribute to Canada’s climate goals.
- Launched in June 2021, the Clean Fuels Fund aims to invest $1.5 billion to grow the production of clean fuels in Canada, such as hydrogen, renewable diesel and natural gas, cellulosic ethanol, synthetic fuels and sustainable aviation fuel.
Canadian wind-hydrogen project delayed one year in race to first European exports
By Rod Nickel
December 5, 2023
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Dec 4 (Reuters) – One of Canada’s first projects to produce emissions-free hydrogen with wind energy has delayed its start by one year because operator World Energy GH2’s European customers need more time to develop special infrastructure to handle the product, the company said.
The delays illustrate the difficulties companies face in introducing a nascent product to replace high-emitting forms of fuel for transport, industry and homes.
Half a dozen companies are advancing projects in the gusty Atlantic provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia to harness winds to power production of Canada’s first exports of emissions-free hydrogen. Canada signed a non-binding agreement in 2022 to ship green hydrogen to Germany starting in 2025.
But World Energy GH2, an affiliate of Boston-based renewable fuels producer World Energy, won’t make that timeline, managing director Sean Leet told Reuters.
“The offtakers are not going to be ready to accept product within 2025, actually not until 2027,” Leet said, referring to buyers who would pre-purchase some of the project’s hydrogen.
The challenges for prospective buyers involve developing new technology to ship, further process and transport the hydrogen by pipeline at its last destination, Leet said.
World Energy GH2 now hopes to start production in late 2026, he said. It requires approval from Newfoundland’s environmental department and strong pre-purchase interest to attract financing before starting production.
Those buyer commitments hinge on the Canadian government finalising details of a tax credit for up to 40% of the capital cost of building hydrogen plants, Leet said.
The company intends to build three onshore wind farms in Newfoundland to power production of 250,000 metric tons per year of hydrogen, at a total cost of $12 billion.
Advocacy group EnviroWatch NL, however, questions the efficiency of building wind turbines in Canada to produce hydrogen that will ultimately generate power for Europe thousands of kilometers away.
EverWind Fuels is on track to start production in Nova Scotia in 2025, said CEO Trent Vichie.
Its plant, a converted fuel storage facility, would eventually produce 1 million metric tons annually of ammonia, a compound that is a practical form of transporting hydrogen.
EverWind, which declined to disclose the project’s capital budget, expects to strike firm buyer agreements in the first half of 2024, a spokesperson said, and has memorandums of understanding to sell hydrogen to German power companies Uniper (UN01.DE), opens new tab and E.ON (EON.UL).
The Canadian government agreed in November to loan EverWind $125 million to build its project, which still requires provincial approval of its wind farms. EverWind’s hydrogen plant has already received environmental approval.
Germany-based ABO Wind (AB9.DE), opens new tab is applying for permits and land for a Newfoundland onshore wind farm that will provide electricity to produce hydrogen for Braya Renewable Fuels’ refinery as early as 2027, Robin Reese, director of development for ABO Wind Canada said.
Newfoundland selected EverWind, World Energy GH2, ABO and Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corp in August to proceed with their wind-hydrogen projects on government land.
U.S.-based Pattern Energy plans to secure European buying agreements in mid-2024 and start construction in 2025 for its wind-hydrogen project on private land in Newfoundland, Canada country head Frank Davis said.
Dalhousie University and Eastward Energy welcome Premier Tim Houston in celebrating the launch of the Hydrogen Applications Research Lab
Posted by Communications, Marketing and Creative Services on February 26, 2024 in News
Monday, February 26, 2024 (Halifax, NS) – Today, Dalhousie University and John Hawkins, president, Eastward Energy, welcomed The Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, and The Honourable Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, to the launch of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Engineering Hydrogen Applications Research Lab.
Eastward Energy is partnering with Dalhousie researcher Dr. Michael Pegg and his team in the Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science as they investigate low-carbon solutions for its distribution system, including the distribution of hydrogen-enriched natural gas (HENG). Dalhousie is grateful for Eastward Energy’s generous support of the lab with a $120,000 contribution.
“This research supports the province’s goals outlined in the Green Hydrogen Action Plan, released in December, and will guide government and industry to develop green hydrogen in ways that contribute to the broader plans for a clean, sustainable future,” says Premier Tim Houston.
“Eastward Energy has played a significant role in reducing emissions over the last 20 years by assisting in the transition away from fuel oil,” says John Hawkins, president of Eastward Energy. “Integrating lower-carbon energy sources like green hydrogen and renewable natural gas into the distribution system is crucial to meeting our customers’ needs and the challenges we face as a society in reaching our climate change goals. We’re pleased to support the work of Dalhousie University’s Hydrogen Applications Research Laboratory, which is a key piece of developing a domestic hydrogen economy in Nova Scotia.”
The lab will test the limits of blending hydrogen into Eastward Energy’s natural gas system, as well as the utilization of hydrogen-enriched natural gas in household appliances. Hydrogen-enriched natural gas, made using “green hydrogen,” is being studied as a lower-carbon energy source.
“We are grateful to Eastward Energy for their support and collaboration in establishing the new Dalhousie University Hydrogen Applications Research Laboratory,” says president and vice-chancellor Kim Brooks. “This is a wonderful testament to the power of partnership and collective vision in advancing critical initiatives for our province, and I’m pleased to see industry, government, and academia working together to unlock the transformative potential of hydrogen here in Nova Scotia.”
The lab will also provide hands-on research experience and collaboration with industry partners, ensuring Dalhousie’s students will be better equipped to help find clean solutions and technologies that drive economic growth.
“At the heart of this lab lies a commitment to pioneering research into the uses of green hydrogen – a vital component in reducing carbon emissions in Nova Scotia, and beyond,” says Dr. Pegg. “Gas distribution companies across the world are exploring how to integrate progressively higher blends of hydrogen into their systems. We are excited to partner with Eastward in exploring this emerging energy frontier.”
World Energy GH2 and the Government of Canada sign definitive agreement to develop green hydrogen project
CNW Group
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
Newfoundland and Labrador cements its spot as a leading jurisdiction in the clean energy transition
OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 28, 2024 /CNW/ – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Labour and Seniors, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, federal government support for Canada’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen / ammonia facility on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Export Development Canada (EDC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, and World Energy GH2 have signed definitive agreements in connection with a CA$128M (US$95M) credit facility to support the development of Project Nujio’qonik through to its financial close of its long-term financing.
The credit facility will help finance the build out of clean power generation and clean hydrogen production that will advance Canada’s efforts and initiatives in pursuit of global decarbonization. The agreement demonstrates Canada’s continuing material support of the Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance signed between the two countries at Project Nujio’qonik’s site in Stephenville, NL, in August 2022, and provides leadership for renewable green energy to be generated and exported to markets in Germany, Europe and around the world, as well as for domestic consumption.
Once complete, Project Nujio’qonik will produce ~210,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year (1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia) with the first phase expected to produce ~400,000 tonnes of green ammonia for export. Project Nujio’qonik’s green hydrogen and ammonia will be RFNBO-compliant (renewable fuels of non-biological origin), and will meet Europe’s criteria for green hydrogen.
Project Nujio’qonik’s first phase will create approximately 2,200 direct construction jobs, 400 operations jobs, and 4,200 indirect jobs.
“World Energy GH2 thanks EDC and the Government of Canada for its support in helping launch the green hydrogen industry here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Sean Leet, Managing Director and CEO, World Energy GH2. “This commitment from the federal government reflects the confidence we’ve built in Project Nujio’qonik, both here in Canada and internationally. By consistently achieving key de-risking milestones, we’ve confirmed that Project Nujio’qonik is one of the leading, commercial-scale green hydrogen projects in the world.”
Richard Hugh, CFO, World Energy GH2, further commented: “Charting and navigating new waters is never an easy undertaking, but our colleagues at EDC, and all levels of the federal and NL provincial governments, have collaborated with us tirelessly to help make this inaugural agreement a defining moment for Canada and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
World Energy GH2 and the Government of Canada sign definitive agreement to develop green hydrogen project
NEWS PROVIDED BY World Energy GH2
Feb 28, 2024,
Newfoundland and Labrador cements its spot as a leading jurisdiction in the clean energy transition
OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 28, 2024 /CNW/ – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Labour and Seniors, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, federal government support for Canada’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen / ammonia facility on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Export Development Canada (EDC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, and World Energy GH2 have signed definitive agreements in connection with a CA$128M (US$95M) credit facility to support the development of Project Nujio’qonik through to its financial close of its long-term financing.
The credit facility will help finance the build out of clean power generation and clean hydrogen production that will advance Canada’s efforts and initiatives in pursuit of global decarbonization. The agreement demonstrates Canada’s continuing material support of the Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance signed between the two countries at Project Nujio’qonik’s site in Stephenville, NL, in August 2022, and provides leadership for renewable green energy to be generated and exported to markets in Germany, Europe and around the world, as well as for domestic consumption.
Once complete, Project Nujio’qonik will produce ~210,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year (1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia) with the first phase expected to produce ~400,000 tonnes of green ammonia for export. Project Nujio’qonik’s green hydrogen and ammonia will be RFNBO-compliant (renewable fuels of non-biological origin), and will meet Europe’s criteria for green hydrogen.
Project Nujio’qonik’s first phase will create approximately 2,200 direct construction jobs, 400 operations jobs, and 4,200 indirect jobs.
“World Energy GH2 thanks EDC and the Government of Canada for its support in helping launch the green hydrogen industry here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Sean Leet, Managing Director and CEO, World Energy GH2. “This commitment from the federal government reflects the confidence we’ve built in Project Nujio’qonik, both here in Canada and internationally. By consistently achieving key de-risking milestones, we’ve confirmed that Project Nujio’qonik is one of the leading, commercial-scale green hydrogen projects in the world.”
Richard Hugh, CFO, World Energy GH2, further commented: “Charting and navigating new waters is never an easy undertaking, but our colleagues at EDC, and all levels of the federal and NL provincial governments, have collaborated with us tirelessly to help make this inaugural agreement a defining moment for Canada and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“Project Njuio’qonik will surpass the highest global standards for emissions and sustainability, and is poised to deliver against Europe’s ambitious RePowerEU targets for green hydrogen,” said John Risley, Chair, World Energy GH2. “Meeting those targets will require continued, decisive action by the European Commission and its member states. We thank the federal government for their leadership and commitment to moving Canada forward as a leader in the global energy transition.”
Kyung-il Park, President and CEO of SK ecoplant, which is an investor in Project Nujio’qonik, expressed his gratitude for the federal government’s commitment, saying: “Thanks to this commitment from the federal government, we expect our project to move more quickly into the next phase, such as FEED execution and long-lead item orders, which will be of great help in achieving our goal of being the first commercial green hydrogen / ammonia producer in Canada.”
“We are committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 by prioritizing clean technology and energy leadership in Canada,” said The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development. “This involves emphasizing innovation, creating green jobs, and supporting projects like the World Energy GH2 initiative.”
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Labour and Seniors, and Member of Parliament, St. John’s South—Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Government of Canada, commented: “Newfoundland and Labrador will be a global leader in clean energy. It will be the workers of our Province who will sell hydrogen to the world and take home the profits. That’s because of companies like World Energy GH2 and the workers who will make it happen.”
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament, Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador, Government of Canada, commented: “Newfoundland and Labrador has the resources, the workers and the passion to lead the way to power Canada’s renewable energy future. Working with partners like World Energy GH2, we will get there.”
Dal lab explores how to unlock the power of green hydrogen in Nova Scotia
Posted by Matt Reeder on February 27, 2024
A new lab established at Dalhousie this week has partnered with a local energy provider to explore applications of hydrogen that could assist Nova Scotia in its efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
N.S.-based Eastward Energy has contributed $120,000 through an in-kind donation to support Dalhousie researcher Dr. Michael Pegg and his team in the Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science as they investigate low-carbon solutions for its distribution system, including the distribution of hydrogen-enriched natural gas.
“We see the opportunity that is before us to become an absolute energy powerhouse in this province,” said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston at a launch event hosted by Dal on Monday. “Imagine Nova Scotia as an energy powerhouse. That is what lays before us with the opportunity that we have in green hydrogen.”
Nova Scotia’s Green Hydrogen Action Plan, released in December, lays out guidelines for government and industry in the province in the development of green hydrogen — an alternative clean energy source. While traditional methods for producing hydrogen used fossil fuels and emitted greenhouse gases, green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity and emits only water and heat when converted to electricity.
Premier Houston explained that Nova Scotia’s abundant offshore natural resources, including wind and tidal power, make it well-situated to the large-scale development of green hydrogen.
“Collectively, we really have an opportunity here that we have to seize, and I’m seeing groups step up and want to be part of that,” he said, mentioning municipalities, private-sector partners, and universities like Dal.
New energy solutions
Dalhousie’s Hydrogen Applications Research Laboratory will test the limits of blending hydrogen into Eastward Energy’s natural gas system as well as the use of hydrogen-enriched natural gas in household appliances. Hydrogen-enriched natural gas is made using green hydrogen and is being studied as a lower-carbon energy source.
John Hawkins, president of Eastward Energy, said his company’s relatively young gas-delivery system is among the most hydrogen-capable distribution systems in North America and is well suited to the task of bringing hydrogen-based energy solutions to life.
“Being 21 years old, that’s just out of its teenage years, and by utility standards it’s very young. It’s uniquely adapted to providing up to 100 per cent hydrogen,” he said.
Hawkins said the new Dal lab will enable his firm and other partners, such as mechanical services firm Iron Dog, to work on new energy solutions.
“As we move to net-zero goals, we have some ambitious targets ahead of us and really we have to look for a diverse portfolio of solutions to those problems — we can’t simply rely on a single energy source,” he said.
Contributing Dal’s expertise
Dal President Kim Brooks said the new lab — also supported by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada — showcases the power of partnership and collective vision in advancing critical initiatives for Nova Scotia.
“At the heart of the lab lies a commitment to pioneering research in green hydrogen, a vital component of reducing carbon emissions across sectors and helping Nova Scotia achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2050,” said President Brooks at the event.
She said Dal has an important role to play in helping Nova Scotia become an “energy powerhouse” and brings expertise in sustainable oceans, climate tech, clean energy and climate adaptation to support the energy transition away from coal and other volatile fossil fuels.
Premier Houston, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables Tory Rushton, President Brooks, Mr. Hawkins and others toured the new lab facilities with Dr. Pegg and Dal students as part of the launch event.
“This lab represents one of the many ways Dalhousie is able to work with industry, with community and with government to advance the prosperity of our province. As the president of Dalhousie, I will do everything I can to bring the brightest future we can imagine to Nova Scotia.”
Canada announces support for new green hydrogen project in Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Global Affairs Canada
News release
February 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Canadian companies are known for their sustainable approach to resource development and are leaders in innovative clean energy technologies.
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, announced on behalf of the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, an agreement to support the development of Canada’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia facility in Newfoundland and Labrador.
World Energy GH2 and Export Development Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada, reached an agreement on terms for a US$95 million (approximate Can$128 million) credit facility to support the development of Project Nujio’qonik, located on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The project will help put Atlantic Canada on the global stage as a leader in clean energy.
Quotes
“We are committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 by prioritizing clean technology and energy leadership in Canada. The World Energy GH2 project is helping Canada become a top global supplier of hydrogen and will create good, sustainable middle-class jobs.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
“Newfoundland and Labrador will be a global leader in clean energy. It will be the workers of our province who will sell hydrogen to the world and take home the profits. That’s because of companies like World Energy GH2 and the workers who will make it happen.”
– Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors
“Newfoundland and Labrador has the resources, the workers and the passion to lead the way to power Canada’s renewable energy future. Working with partners like World Energy, we will get there.”
– Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Today’s investment in World Energy GH2 will strengthen Canada’s position as a leading supplier of clean energy and technology to the world. Through our offshore wind bill, C-49, we plan to unlock Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean power potential while advancing our commitments under the Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance, announced in Stephenville. I congratulate World Energy and all those involved in this significant investment in Canada’s green industrial future.”
– Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Quick facts
- The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, released in December 2020, lays out an ambitious framework for actions that will position Canada as a world-leading producer, user and exporter of clean hydrogen and associated solutions in support of its net-zero emissions targets.
- Canada has committed significant financial and regulatory support for clean technologies such as hydrogen. Budget 2023 includes approximately $60 billion in new spending, of which investments and measures in clean technology account for almost $21 billion.
- The Government of Canada also put forward details of the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit in Budget 2023. Tax support varies between 15% and 40% of eligible project costs. Projects that produce the lowest carbon-intensity hydrogen receive the highest levels of support.
- Property that is required to convert clean hydrogen to clean ammonia is also eligible for the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit, at 15%.
- The Government of Canada’s 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced that the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit was available from March 28, 2023.
CycleØ acquires Biogasclean to increase fully circular green gas production
(PRNewswire)–CycleØ Group Limited (CycleØ) announced its acquisition of Biogasclean, a Danish supplier of biological methanation and desulphurization systems. A prominent, pan-European biomethane platform, CycleØ develops, builds, owns and operates renewable natural gas (RNG) projects in Europe and Latin America.
Ara Partners, a private equity and infrastructure investment firm at the forefront of industrial decarbonization, provided additional capital to facilitate the transaction.
This strategic acquisition is a significant milestone for CycleØ and the biomethane sector in general. It will enable more efficient and fully circular green gas solutions by capturing the biogenic CO2 contained in biogas and converting it into eMethane—a sustainable, synthetic gas derived from green H2 that can be stored or used as an alternative to fossil natural gas.
The ability to capture naturally occurring CO2 and convert it into eMethane increases the efficiency of biomethane sites, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing green gas production by ~70%.
Laurence Molke, CEO, CycleØ said, “We are delighted to welcome Biogasclean’s talented and experienced team to our Group and look forward to deploying their patented biocatalyst technologies to produce more carbon-negative fuels for the hard to electrify energy, heat, transport, and industrial sectors.”
Biogasclean is a global player in the biological desulphurization field, with five offices in three continents, and over 350 systems operating or underway in 40+ countries.
The company’s trailblazing biological methanation technology is proven at scale as an integral part of the world’s largest plant to commercially produce eMethane via electrolysis and biological methanation. Located in Sønderborg on Als in Denmark, these facilities inject 33 GWhr of sustainable eMethane into the gas grid annually.
“We stand at a pivotal moment, and the window to avoid the worst effects of climate change is getting narrower by the day,” said Niels Holst Jensen, CEO of Biogasclean. “The combination of CycleØ and Biogasclean is uniquely positioned to reduce methane emissions and capture CO2 from the atmosphere, at scale.”
Chris Picotte, Partner at Ara Partners said, “CycleØ’s acquisition of Biogasclean completes the group’s biomethane carbon loop and helps Europe to meet its aggressive 2030 decarbonization targets. This deal is a further reflection of Ara’s sustainability principles and our ongoing focus on decarbonizing key sectors with proven technologies.”
Mexico orders seizure of H2 plant at Pemex oil refinery
According to Reuters, Mexico’s government has ordered the expropriation of a H2 plant at a Pemex oil refinery that was sold to French company Air Liquide during the previous administration, after officials ordered a temporary occupation of the facility last December.
Oil refineries use H2 to reduce the sulfur content in petroleum products, especially diesel. The government’s announcement also cited the need to ensure Mexico’s “energy sovereignty” via the expropriation of the privately-operated facility.
Under his predecessor, centrist former President Enrique Pena Nieto, Pemex’s refining arm signed a 20-year contract with Air Liquide in 2017 to supply H2 for Tula’s operations in a bid to lower costs and boost efficiency.
The Tula facility, located in central Hidalgo state north of the Mexican capital, is Pemex’s second-largest refinery currently in operation.
Petrobras will invest $18 MM in research into sustainable hydrogen
Petrobras signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Senai Institute for Renewable Energy (ISI-ER) for the construction of a pilot electrolysis plant to study the sustainable H2 chain (low carbon). The objective is to evaluate the production and use of H2 produced from the electrolysis of water, using solar energy. Installations from Petrobras’ Alto Rodrigues Photovoltaic Plant, in the state of Rio Grande de Norte, will be used.
The plant, originally built for research and development purposes, will be expanded from 1.0 megawatt peak (MWp) to 2.5 MWp, to meet the electrical demand of the pilot electrolysis unit to be installed. The H2 produced will also be used to evaluate the performance and structural integrity of microturbines due to the combustion of mixtures of H2 and natural gas. The project is expected to last three years and involve $18 MM.
“Among the benefits for the company are the development of knowledge about the behavior of equipment depending on the mixture of H2 and natural gas, aiming at business models of interest to the company. This is yet another initiative that will contribute to the analysis of the economic viability of projects for the production of low-carbon H2 and its derivatives,” said Jean Paul Prates, president of Petrobras.
“One of the big themes in relation to low-carbon H2 is the operation of electrolysis technology directly connected to the renewable energy source, with its intermittent characteristics. One of the objectives of this project is to advance our knowledge about this type of operation,” said Maurício Tolmasquim, director of Energy Transition and Sustainability.
“Petrobras and Senai ISI-ER of Rio Grande do Norte are long-time strategic partners in various areas of research and development on topics related to renewable energy and H2, highlighting the institute’s expertise in wind and solar energy, highlights the Director of Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Carlos Travassos.
Brazil’s state of Ceara, bp sign MoU for green H2 site
According to the ICIS, the government of the Brazilian state of Ceara and UK-headquartered energy major bp signed this week a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a green H2 site. The site, to produce also green H2 derivatives such as green ammonia, will be built in Ceara’s Pecem Industrial and Port Complex (CIPP). Financial details were not disclosed.
https://h2-tech.com/news/2024/01-2024/brazil-s-state-of-ceara-bp-sign-mou-for-green-h-sub-2-sub-site
Air Liquide seeks answers from Mexico following takeover of H2 processing plant
The Mexican government has taken over operations at Air Liquide’s H2 processing plant at the Miguel Hidalgo refinery in Tula (Mexico). The plant will be operated by Pemex Transformación Industrial, with Air Liquide being compensated.
The move is part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s efforts to increase state control and cement state power, which has resulted in a series of conflicts between the government and private companies. Air Liquide had been supplying H2 to the Tula refinery since 2017 but the takeover has raised concerns for the French company.
Pemex takes over H2 plant in Mexico amidst energy market control
According to Reuters, Mexico’s government has ordered Pemex to temporarily take over a privately-operated H2 plant in one of its largest refineries. This follows President Lopez Obrador’s decree to tighten state control over the energy market.
Mexico depends on third parties for H2 supply, which puts the production of gasoline and diesel at risk. Lopez Obrador has clashed with big businesses in the energy sector before, accusing political opponents of rigging the market for corporate elites.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners signs MoU with Mexican authorities for Helax Istmo, a green H2 project
Helax Istmo, a wholly owned subsidiary of funds managed by CIP, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) and Mexico’s national Ministry of Navy, the Secretaría de Marina (Semar). Under the MoU, the parties agree to collaborate to support the development of a large-scale, integrated renewable energy project in Oaxaca, Mexico. Helax Istmo is projected to produce green H2 and green maritime fuels, contributing materially to Mexico’s sustainable development goals, as well as to the decarbonization of the shipping industry globally.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has recognized the project’s transformational impact for the Isthmus.
Ole Kjems Sørensen, partner at CIP and co-head of Growth Markets Funds said, “This MoU showcases our long-term commitment to Mexico through the development of a pioneering project that offers green maritime fuels at scale — a first for the region. We would like to thank the Mexican authorities for their continued interest and support, and we look forward to continuing to engage constructively with national and local stakeholders and further develop Helax.”
Philip Cristiani, partner at CIP and co-head of Energy Transition Fund said, “Our Energy Transition Fund is the largest dedicated clean H2 fund globally and we are proud to take this promising step forward for Helax together with the Mexican authorities. When fully operational, Helax is ideally placed to cater to the growing demand for green shipping fuels and make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the global shipping industry.”