World Energy GH2, led by seafood mogul John Risley, is considering alternative options for its multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland due to delays in Canada’s plans to supply Europe with green energy.
The company is developing a concept for a “renewable energy campus” that would utilize fuel produced from its operations to power a data center aimed at artificial intelligence companies. Laura Barron, a spokesperson for World Energy GH2, noted that “as the commercial-scale green ammonia market is taking longer to develop than expected, there are other opportunities for renewable energy that can combat climate change on a larger scale.”
The proposed Project Nujio’qonik includes plans for a hydrogen production plant in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, which would convert hydrogen into ammonia for shipping. This initiative is one of at least four wind-to-hydrogen proposals registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador government, although it is the only one approved so far. The project has faced opposition from local residents concerned about its impact on the delicate ecosystem of western Newfoundland.
In 2022, German officials signed a commitment with Canada to create an alliance for shipping Canadian-produced green hydrogen to Germany by next year; however, experts like Amit Kumar from the University of Alberta caution that it may take at least another decade before the technology and infrastructure are in place to make this feasible.
In light of these developments, Stephenville Mayor Tom Rose expressed optimism about attracting companies interested in data center opportunities due to World Energy GH2’s renewable energy plans. He stated that he has met with various companies exploring data center possibilities in the region and believes there will be no issues finding skilled workers for such initiatives. While the Newfoundland and Labrador government has not yet been formally advised of any data center plans by World Energy GH2, any future proposals would require government approval.
