Bruce Innovates: Bruce County’s Foundational Hydrogen Infrastructure Project

The County of Bruce intends to complete a feasibility study on the technical and financial requirements for producing and storing hydrogen in the region. This study will look at a demonstration-scale (1–3 MW capacity) hydrogen production and storage system. The study’s results will serve as an initial point of reference for assessing the potential for a full-scale build (25+ MW capacity). A significant power-to-gas opportunity exists in the county. When demand for electricity is low (off-peak), hydrogen can be produced from a surplus of nuclear and renewable electricity that would otherwise be wasted or sold at a loss. Once stored in geological reservoirs (depleted natural gas wells), the produced hydrogen becomes an on-demand source of carbon-neutral energy. The Independent Electricity System Operator for Ontario (IESO) identifies the Bruce region as a viable location for power-to-gas processes because the region produces significantly more electricity than it currently consumes, mostly to accommodate peak demand. The study will also help quantify how hydrogen-based systems can play a significant role in decarbonization, advance clean energy technology and develop a new industry that will enhance the region’s economy. The feasibility study will evaluate two innovative solutions: a dynamic electrolyzer for hydrogen production and geological reservoirs for hydrogen storage. To take advantage of this opportunity, Bruce County and Saugeen First Nation have formed a partnership. The primary environmental benefit of this project lies in the potential displacement of natural gas, which is currently used to heat residential and commercial buildings. The secondary benefit comes from the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions that come from converting surplus nuclear or renewable energy into clean hydrogen during off-peak times to provide grid stability. Related economic and social benefits include creating the foundation of a hydrogen-based economy in Canada; providing clean energy and heat to northern and remote communities, thus improving their energy autonomy; and improving air quality through decarbonization. This project aligns with the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change and the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. Innovative aspect(s): • A power-to-gas facility would be a first in Canada—the approach to hydrogen production until now has relied heavily on the input of fossil fuels, such as natural gas or coal • The integration of hydrogen storage in geological reservoirs would also be a first in Canada, and this project could significantly advance large-scale geological storage of hydrogen Replicability: • This initiative has a potential for replication, in whole or part, by a broad range of municipalities across Canada. • By becoming the clean energy capital of Canada, Bruce County wants to lead the way towards collaboration and training in clean technology development and energy innovation. • This initiative has the potential of improving energy autonomy for the Saugeen First Nations and could be replicated in remote communities. Additionally, the Saugeen Sustainable Energy Centre could become a State-of-the-art hydrogen training facility in the country. • As the country moves toward the use of greener zero carbon energy, the storage of energy will become more and more important. (Project description from original funding application)