Bruce Power is announced intentions to examine ways to harness improved site output for possible hydrogen production in collaboration with enterprises in the Clean Energy Frontier region as part of Ontario’s hydrogen strategy.
“Through our Life-Extension Program we are providing Ontario residents and businesses with a long-term supply of clean, reliable electricity and life-saving isotopes while also opening the door to possibilities for new innovative technologies that will contribute to Ontario’s Net Zero 2050 goal,” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO at Bruce Power. “The industry can play a leadership role in the fight against climate change by leveraging and optimizing our assets, as well as our many decades of experience and expertise with nuclear innovation. We look forward to collaborating with our Clean Energy Frontier partners on this exciting initiative.”
Bruce Power Net Zero Inc., Greenfield Global, Hydrogen Optimized, and Hensall Co-op have all signed a Memorandum of Understanding as a first step. The companies will work on a feasibility study to identify hydrogen production prospects from this excess energy and to recommend ways in which this one-of-a-kind asset may become a center of excellence for hydrogen production and a vital hydrogen hub for the province. The project, which will be carried out in collaboration with the Hydrogen Business Council, is scheduled to conclude in early 2023.
“Hydrogen Optimized is excited to apply our technology and manufacturing expertise in high-current unipolar water electrolysis systems to this innovative initiative, and to support the advancement of a thriving hydrogen hub here in our region and in Ontario,” said Andrew T. B. Stuart, President and CEO of Owen Sound-based Hydrogen Optimized.
“Greenfield Global is the largest producer of renewable fuels in Canada and plays an integral part in enabling the low-carbon economy,” said Tom Teahen, Senior Vice-President, Advanced Fuels, Greenfield Global. “We are pleased to add our clean hydrogen expertise and join our Clean Energy Frontier regional partners to study the potential for unlocking clean energy to help Ontario reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.”
“Hensall Co-op, as a member owned co-operative, realizes the need to lower the carbon footprint of agriculture, which is the largest economic driver within the Clean Energy Frontier region,” said Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op. “We look forward to participating with our partners to unlock the clean energy from Bruce Power to reach this goal.”
Bruce Power’s announcement expands on the company’s support for the Ontario government’s hydrogen strategy, which is examining ways to improve the province’s clean technology industry as part of its effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the province’s economy.
“Ontario’s nuclear sector is recognized globally as a leader in delivering affordable, reliable and clean electricity,” said Hon. Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy. “Today, our electricity grid is one of the world’s cleanest with more than 90 per cent being zero air emissions thanks in large part to having clean nuclear energy as our baseload. Innovative projects, such as the potential for hydrogen production at Bruce Power, will only bolster Ontario’s clean energy advantage while also helping to create jobs and economic growth for our province.”
“Bruce Power continues to demonstrate leadership with its Life-Extension Program, Project 2030, and now by looking at uses for excess energy produced at the Bruce site,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “These innovative projects and partnerships also create promising economic opportunities for families and businesses in Huron and Bruce counties.”
“Our government is proud to support Bruce Power’s ongoing contributions to a low-carbon economy,” said Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “The hydrogen hub is one more way Bruce Power is leading the way in advancing clean energy innovation and technology within the Clean Energy Frontier region and throughout Ontario.”
Additionally, the Bruce Power Centre for Next Generation Nuclear at the Nuclear Innovation Institute is examining ways to optimize the influence of Bruce Power’s assets on Canada’s clean energy future. This is accomplished through three primary activities:
Leveraging CANDU technology investments made through Ontario’s refurbishing program to advance clean innovation in other sectors of the economy;
The Breakthrough Energy Program undertakes research and policy analysis on small modular reactor technology, as well as long-term fusion energy generation prospects; and
Bruce Power is evaluating potential to optimize, enhance, utilize, and extend its assets over the next 50 years.
