Quebec companies collaborate on one of Canada’s largest green hydrogen projects

Two Quebec companies have announced one of the country’s largest green hydrogen injection projects for a natural gas distribution network in the province.

Evolugen, the Canadian operating business of Brookfield Renewable, and Gazifère Inc., an Enbridge company, are collaborating to advance the development and use of green hydrogen, and have announced plans to build and operate an approximately 20-MW water electrolysis hydrogen production plant in the Outaouais region.

The facility will result in significant reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and generate considerable benefits regionally, provincially and nationally. The companies unveiled details of the project at the annual symposium of Quebec’s renewable energy production association (AQPER).

The plant will be built in the Masson sector of the City of Gatineau, adjacent to Evolugen’s hydroelectric facilities, which will power the electrolyzer. An estimated capacity of approximately 425,000 GJ of green hydrogen will be produced for injection into Gazifère’s natural gas distribution network, making this the first project of its kind in Canada.

The project will remove approximately 15,000 metric tons in GHG emissions per year, in addition to generating significant local economic benefits, including new jobs and additional property tax revenue.

The project represents the first phase in the creation of a regional green economy ecosystem centred around the production, distribution, and use of green hydrogen. With ongoing support from the municipal, provincial, and federal governments, Evolugen and Gazifère are positioned to leverage numerous strategic assets, including access to natural resources and the expertise of the local workforce. The two companies are working together to develop the Outaouais region and put Quebec and Canada at the forefront of the movement to economically reduce GHG emissions.

“As an experienced renewable energy generation developer, owner and operator, Evolugen sees green hydrogen as a natural progression and fit in its portfolio of clean energy solutions,” Josée Guibord, Evolugen CEO, said.  “This project aligns with and furthers Evolugen’s objectives to put its capital, expertise and resources to work to support governments, businesses and communities in reaching their energy transition and decarbonization goals.”

“Green hydrogen can play a major role in Quebec’s energy transition by offering a sustainable, low-carbon energy solution,” Cynthia Hansen, executive vice-president & president, gas distribution & storage, Enbridge, said. “With the production, transportation and distribution of green hydrogen, Gazifère has the ambition to provide its customers with an increasingly diversified portfolio of renewable natural gas options. This is another important example of Enbridge’s multi-market approach to green the natural gas grid while continuing to meet the demand for safe, reliable and affordable energy.”

“Hydrogen’s time has come,” Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s minister of natural resources, said. “It will lower our emissions and create jobs. Projects like this will get us to net zero.”