Two Calgary-based companies are joining forces and plan to build a hydrogen project— that would take a good chunk out of province’s carbon dioxide emissions —near Fort Saskatchewan..The companies said if completed, the project will produce 300,000 tonnes per year of clean hydrogen “using advanced technology to capture more than 90% of the emissions generated in the hydrogen production process.”.It’s expected to reduce Alberta’s COâ emissions by more than two million tonnes per year..The companies said 85% of the clean hydrogen would be used to supply existing energy demand..“Specifically, 65% of the output would be used in refining processes and cogeneration of steam and electricity at the Suncor Edmonton Refinery, reducing refinery emissions by 60%. In addition, approximately 20% of the output could be used in the Alberta natural gas distribution system, also further reducing emissions,” said a Monday release by the companies..Suncor plans to build and operate the hydrogen production and carbon dioxide sequestration facilities and ATCO would construct and operate pipeline and hydrogen storage facilities..“With abundant natural gas resources and geology that is well suited to the utilization and permanent storage of COâ, Alberta is one of the best places in the world to produce clean hydrogen,” said Mark Little, president and chief executive officer of Suncor..Nancy Southern, chair and chief executive officer of ATCO, said: “This project would be a global scale solution to reducing emissions with made-in-Canada energy ingenuity, while positioning Alberta at the forefront of the clean hydrogen economy.”.Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said he was thrilled to hear about the project..“This partnership is good news for Alberta’s economic recovery. As our COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to gain momentum, Alberta’s government will look towards how we can get our economy going and get Albertans back to work,” said Kenney..“With a highly skilled energy workforce and an abundance of natural gas resources, Alberta is ready to be a world leader in hydrogen production. Massive hydrogen projects like this will help us reach our emission goals while also creating thousands of good jobs for Albertans.”.It is hoped the project could be up and running in 2028. A dollar estimate to build the facility, nor the number of jobs it would create were provided..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
