FortisBC Energy and VulcanX Energy Corp. have entered a funding agreement to advance hydrogen pyrolysis technology.
This technology aims to produce zero-emission hydrogen and solid carbon from natural gas at a low cost. The initiative is supported by FortisBC’s Clean Growth Innovation Fund.
FortisBC is transitioning its gas system from conventional natural gas to renewable and low-carbon gases, such as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and hydrogen. This shift is facilitated by amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation under the Clean Energy Act, which allows utilities like FortisBC to invest in and distribute hydrogen as an energy source.
“Collaborative relationships between innovative companies like VulcanX and FortisBC are helping to drive B.C.’s growing clean energy sector,” stated Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation. She highlighted the collaboration’s role in reducing emissions and fostering a sustainable environment.
VulcanX, a company that emerged from MéridaLabs at the University of British Columbia, has developed technology to separate natural gas into its components—hydrogen and solid carbon. FortisBC’s funding will support the engineering and design of a facility capable of producing up to one tonne of hydrogen daily. Currently, VulcanX is testing the technology at a demonstration facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.
