Today, as part of Ontario’s hydrogen strategy, Bruce Power is announcing plans to explore opportunities to leverage optimized site output for potential hydrogen production in partnership with companies within the Clean Energy Frontier region.
“Through our Life-Extension Program we are providing Ontario residents and businesses with a long-term supply of clean, reliable electricity and life-saving isotopes while also opening the door to possibilities for new innovative technologies that will contribute to Ontario’s Net Zero 2050 goal,” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO at Bruce Power. “The industry can play a leadership role in the fight against climate change by leveraging and optimizing our assets, as well as our many decades of experience and expertise with nuclear innovation. We look forward to collaborating with our Clean Energy Frontier partners on this exciting initiative.”
As a first step, Bruce Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with companies within the Clean Energy Frontier region of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties – Bruce Power Net Zero Inc., Greenfield Global, Hydrogen Optimized and Hensall Co-op. The companies will collaborate on a feasibility study to determine opportunities for hydrogen production using this excess energy and to recommend how this unique asset could become a centre of excellence for hydrogen production and key hydrogen hub for the province. The project will be conducted in partnership with the Hydrogen Business Council and is expected to be completed in early 2023.
“Hydrogen Optimized is excited to apply our technology and manufacturing expertise in high-current unipolar water electrolysis systems to this innovative initiative, and to support the advancement of a thriving hydrogen hub here in our region and in Ontario,” said Andrew T. B. Stuart, President and CEO of Owen Sound-based Hydrogen Optimized.
“Greenfield Global is the largest producer of renewable fuels in Canada and plays an integral part in enabling the low-carbon economy,” said Tom Teahen, Senior Vice-President, Advanced Fuels, Greenfield Global. “We are pleased to add our clean hydrogen expertise and join our Clean Energy Frontier regional partners to study the potential for unlocking clean energy to help Ontario reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.”
“Hensall Co-op, as a member owned co-operative, realizes the need to lower the carbon footprint of agriculture, which is the largest economic driver within the Clean Energy Frontier region,” said Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op. “We look forward to participating with our partners to unlock the clean energy from Bruce Power to reach this goal.”
The announcement builds on Bruce Power’s support for the Government of Ontario’s hydrogen strategy, which is looking at ways to support the province’s clean technology sector as part of its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bolster Ontario’s economy.
“Ontario’s nuclear sector is recognized globally as a leader in delivering affordable, reliable and clean electricity,” said Hon. Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy. “Today, our electricity grid is one of the world’s cleanest with more than 90 per cent being zero air emissions thanks in large part to having clean nuclear energy as our baseload. Innovative projects, such as the potential for hydrogen production at Bruce Power, will only bolster Ontario’s clean energy advantage while also helping to create jobs and economic growth for our province.”
“Bruce Power continues to demonstrate leadership with its Life-Extension Program, Project 2030, and now by looking at uses for excess energy produced at the Bruce site,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “These innovative projects and partnerships also create promising economic opportunities for families and businesses in Huron and Bruce counties.”
“Our government is proud to support Bruce Power’s ongoing contributions to a low-carbon economy,” said Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “The hydrogen hub is one more way Bruce Power is leading the way in advancing clean energy innovation and technology within the Clean Energy Frontier region and throughout Ontario.”
In addition, the Bruce Power Centre for Next Generation Nuclear at the Nuclear Innovation Institute is also exploring opportunities for Bruce Power’s assets to maximize the impact they’ll have on Canada’s clean energy future. This includes three main activities:
- Leveraging investments being made in CANDU technology through Ontario’s refurbishment program to further clean innovation in other sectors of the economy;
- The Breakthrough Energy Program conducts research and policy work into small modular reactor technology as well as evaluates the long-term opportunities for fusion energy generation; and
- Bruce Power is exploring opportunities into the next 50 years for its assets to be optimized, enhanced, leveraged and extended.
About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and life-saving medical isotopes across the globe. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
