ITM Power to evaluate renewable hydrogen in British Columbia
Sheffield-headquartered ITM Power, the energy storage and clean fuel company, is to undertake a study to evaluate the large scale production and use of renewable hydrogen in British Columbia and its export to Japan and California.
The firm has been awarded a grant from the British Columbia Government Ministries of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Jobs, Trade and Technology to undertake a Power-to-Gas (P2G) feasibility study.
In the initial phase of the project, ITM Power will undertake a techno-economic feasibility study for the large scale centralized production of renewable hydrogen in the province of British Columbia.
ITM Power said: “Although the initial contract value of the feasibility study is relatively small, the project has the potential to be one of the largest of its kind globally, with total hydrogen electrolysis capacity of up to 300MW under considertion, to be used to supply both domestic and international export demand.
“Although currently, this project does not sit within ITM Power’s opportunity pipeline, assuming a positive economic result of the feasibility study, a pilot plant will be considered for construction. Once fully financed, the contract value of the pilot plant will be added to ITM Power’s opportunity pipeline.”
The project team includes ITM Power, Chiyoda Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and G&S Budd Consulting Ltd. The 12-month project is due to commence in Q2 2018.
ITM Power added: “There is a growing demand for hydrogen in parts of the world that are leading the transition away from conventional energy sources to renewable, clean energy for both motive and stationary power applications.
“British Columbia’s grid is one of the cleanest in the world in terms of carbon emissions, with 92% of the power generated by hydro, and has competitive electricity rates. This positions B.C. as a strong candidate for production of renewable hydrogen generated via electrolysis.”
Dr. Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power, said: “This exciting project is another example, not only of the recognition and attention that the potential of hydrogen energy storage is attracting internationally, but also of ITM Power’s global market leading technology and expertise necessary to support projects at this scale. This project also highlights the potential scale of ITM Power’s addressable markets, the significant potential that sits behind our stated opportunity pipeline, and the cautious yet rigorous methodology we apply in calculating this figure. We look forward to working with our international partners to deliver a successful outcome for the project.”
Michelle Mungall, British Columbia’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, added: “This technology has the potential to make British Columbia a major player in the worldwide hydrogen economy. This project is a clear indicator that, as we move toward a strong, sustainable energy future, B.C.’s renewable and innovative clean energy resources make us an attractive destination for global investment.”
