First Hydrogen, a green energy company, has announced its plans to produce up to 35MW of green hydrogen using electrolysis and distribute it to the Montreal-Quebec City corridor for vehicle use.
The company has entered into an agreement with the City of Shawinigan to purchase two plots of land, where it will establish its first green hydrogen infrastructure. The project will involve the development of facilities for hydrogen production, as well as the assembly of light commercial vehicles (LCV).
According to Luc Arvisais, Director of the Shawinigan Economic Development Department, the production project will be located within the J. Armand Foucher Industrial Park, which is situated near major Hydro Quebec substations and transmission lines. The vehicle assembly project will be located in the Energy Technopark. The company plans to assemble 25,000 vehicles per year at the facility and distribute them throughout North America, in combination with its Hydrogen-as-a-Service product offering.
The feasibility engineering process will begin once the agreements are fully sanctioned by the City of Shawinigan’s municipal authorities, which is expected to be held in May 2023. The company’s plans align with the future Energy Transition Valley Innovation Zone and the Hydrogen Research Institute (IRH) of the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is gaining popularity as an alternative fuel for transportation. Green hydrogen can be produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis, which requires electricity from renewable sources. The use of green hydrogen can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and attracting investment. The company’s plans to assemble vehicles in the region will help establish a local supply chain for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
First Hydrogen has also announced that it will begin LCV trials in the UK this month, delivering the vehicles to fleet management company Rivus, which will be responsible for conducting the trials.
The project is not without challenges. The production and distribution of hydrogen can be costly, and the infrastructure required to support hydrogen-powered vehicles is still limited. However, the potential benefits of using green hydrogen for transportation are significant, and the technology is rapidly advancing.
In conclusion, First Hydrogen’s plans to produce and distribute green hydrogen to the Montreal-Quebec City corridor for vehicle use have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and establish a local supply chain for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The project aligns with the future Energy Transition Valley Innovation Zone and the Hydrogen Research Institute, and has the potential to contribute to a sustainable and cleaner future.
