CHILLIWACK – Chilliwack-based Teralta, a leading authority in hydrogen strategies, technology, and infrastructure, has announced the launch of the company’s clean hydrogen system at a pulp mill in Prince George, BC.
The project began in 2022 as the first initiative in Teralta’s international waste hydrogen strategy involving the development of utility-scale low-carbon hydrogen for industrial operations.
The clean hydrogen is estimated to displace about 25% of the gas energy requirements for the pulp mill, which would reduce CO2 emissions by about 700,000 tonnes across the life of the project. The system collects byproduct hydrogen from Chemtrade Logistics’ sodium chlorate production facility, purifying and compressing it for use in Canfor’s adjacent pulp mill.
The project was publicly announced by Premier David Eby at the Chemtrade facility, in support of the 21st Annual BC Natural Resources Forum, also taking place in Prince George.
Once the hydrogen infrastructure is in place and operational, the Prince George mill would benefit from a clean source of energy to help power the operation. The hydrogen supply would fulfill 25% of the gas energy requirements for the mill.
Essential to the the progress of the project has been the collaboration between stakeholders.
According to the Teralta website: “Teralta’s model, hydrogen sources at Chemtrade’s site will be transported to the pulp mill for its heating system. Teralta will clean the hydrogen, selling it to the utility for distribution to the mill. Chemtrade receives a portion of the profits from the sale of the gas. Along with offsetting increasingly expensive energy costs, the project will allow Chemtrade to monetize an existing asset with no investment or up front costs. AdvanTec will manufacture all of the specialized industrial infrastructure and components for the project.”
“The project is complex, but due to the strong partnerships we have forged, our progress has been consistent. Today, the building for the hydrogen processing is in place and the infrastructure to capture and upgrade the hydrogen is in the works,” said Simon Pickup, CEO at Teralta. “While clean hydrogen is recognized as an important component in achieving net zero goals, few comparable projects have come to fruition. It’s especially satisfying–as a proud BC company–that Teralta’s first successful initiative is in Prince George. The project will lay the groundwork for future initiatives here and throughout North America.”
“We are a company committed to continuous improvement and reducing our overall footprint. As a producer of clean hydrogen, we have been looking at ways we can capture this energy source and provide it as a carbon-free alternative to local markets. When Teralta approached us, regarding this project, it was a natural fit,” said Scott Rook, President and CEO for Chemtrade Logistics. “The Prince George project is an excellent opportunity for the community and for the business, aligning perfectly with Chemtrade’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles and to our Responsible Care mandate.”
There are approximately 50 proposed projects in the hydrogen sector in BC, ranging from large-scale production facilities to hydrogen-fueling stations and heavy-duty trucking pilots.
Business Examiner Staff
Sources: Province of BC, Teralta & Newswire.ca
