FortisBC is currently exploring three different ways to produce hydrogen. Photo credit: FortisBC
SURREY – FortisBC Energy Inc. has signed an agreement with VulcanX Energy Corp. (VulcanX) to support the development of hydrogen pyrolysis technology that would see zero-emission hydrogen and solid carbon being produced from natural gas at a low cost.
FortisBC is providing funding to VulcanX for the development of its proprietary technology, through its Clean Growth Innovation Fund.
“We are pleased to work with companies such as VulcanX through the Clean Growth Innovation Fund to advance the development of new technologies that can be used for the production of hydrogen,” said Joe Mazza, vice president of energy supply and resource development at FortisBC. “We believe that hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in a lower-carbon energy future and can help meet the energy needs of British Columbians while supporting the goals of the province’s CleanBC strategy.”
FortisBC’s gas system is playing a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning away from delivering conventional natural gas to delivering renewable and low-carbon gases,[1] like Renewable Natural Gas[2] (RNG) and in the future, hydrogen.
Amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation (GGRR) authorized under the Clean Energy Act enable utilities, like FortisBC, to play a role in establishing and growing the hydrogen sector in B.C. Through the GGRR, FortisBC can directly invest in hydrogen production as well as distributing it as an energy source.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Josie Osborne stated: “It’s exciting to see collaborations underway within the sector that are reducing emissions and creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for British Columbians.”
VulcanX is a company that was spun out from MéridaLabs at the University of British Columbia. VulcanX developed the technology to separate natural gas into its components of hydrogen and solid carbon. Funds from FortisBC will be used to support the front-end engineering and the detailed design of a potential facility capable of producing up to one tonne of hydrogen per day. The technology is currently being tested by VulcanX at a demonstration facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.
“Technology innovation can empower B.C., Canada and the world to achieve our emission reduction targets and do so economically,” said Dr. Omar E. Herrera, CEO of VulcanX. “FortisBC is putting words into action by supporting us via the Clean Growth Innovation Fund. We at VulcanX cannot wait to get this project started.”
Business Examiner Staff & FortisBC
