- Canada is leading the global effort to develop a sustainable hydrogen economy, with a unique new hydrogen reactor in Hamilton, Ontario, being developed by Canadian company GH Power.
- The reactor, which operates continuously, extracts baseload energy and hydrogen from the rapid oxidation of metal in water, creating zero waste and carbon emissions.
- The reactor is modular and scalable, enabling local microgrids to supply baseload, reliable green energy solutions anywhere, anytime.
- The reactor is designed to be safe, quiet, and deployable within the last mile of the energy user.
Canadian Engineers Make “Revolutionary” Hydrogen Breakthrough, states a Yahoo Finance news source.
Canada is at the forefront of the global effort
Already one of the world’s top ten producers of hydrogen, Canada is at the forefront of the global effort to develop a sustainable hydrogen economy, and a recent breakthrough may just bring it closer to becoming one of the most important energy transition hubs on the planet.
Canada is home to more than 100 hydrogen and fuel cell tech companies, and one of them has flipped the switch on a unique new hydrogen reactor in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Canadian company GH Power and its team of world-class engineers led by CEO Dave White are bringing the world green hydrogen, high-quality heat and green alumina that can be fed into the grid using proprietary reactor technology that relies on only two inputs, creating zero waste and zero carbon emissions.
The reactor is said to be the very first of its kind to operate continuously, extracting baseload energy and hydrogen from the rapid oxidation of metal in water.
The Hydrogen system is designed to be modular and scalable and to enable local microgrids to supply baseload, reliable green energy solutions anywhere, anytime–even in the most remote areas of the world.
The reaction is exothermic and self-sustaining, safe, quiet and deployable within the last mile of the energy user.
For Canada’s ambitions of becoming a major hydrogen superpower, the reactor, which began final Phase II testing on June 23rd, with commercial operations set to begin by Q4 2023, represents an impressive step forward in the high-stakes, low-carbon hydrogen game.
For GH Power, seven years of quiet and painstaking research and testing has turned the company into an award-winning innovator that hopes to reward future investors with four potential revenue streams.
Partnering for a clean, secure future
In August 2022, just five months after Russia launched its war on Ukraine and the weaponization of energy rose to the forefront, Canada took decisive steps to accelerate the global clean energy transition, signing a Joint Declaration of Intent with Germany to collaborate on the export of clean Canadian hydrogen to Europe’s economic powerhouse.
The deal means a commitment to enable investment in hydrogen projects through policy harmonization; support for the development of secure hydrogen supply chains; the creation of a Transatlantic Canada-Germany supply corridor; and the export of clean Canadian hydrogen by 2025.
GH Power’s unique hydrogen reactor has been a focal point of this alliance, and its technology has been awarded $ 2.2 million in federal funding from the National Research Council of Canada as part of the Transatlantic commitment with Germany. The award is intended to support further research of the optimum fuel mixture for its reactor and the ultimate refinement of its high-purity alumina.
Chief Engineer Ken Steward has been designing and managing thermal power plants and petrochemical processes for over four decades across numerous different power plants in North America. COO Gary Grahn brings to the table 25 years of international energy experience, including in oil, gas, minerals, metals and utilities, and CFO Anand Patel contributes a decade of real asset capital markets experience, with over $4 billion in completed transactions, including for renewable energy giant Brookfield Asset Management. Finally, project development director Mike Miller offers more than 35 years of experience in infrastructure, private equity, and development for top companies along the energy supply chain, such as giant NextEra Energy.
“Unlocking the potential of hydrogen is an essential part of our government’s plan for a sustainable economic future — not just for the domestic opportunities for emissions reductions but also for its potential as an export opportunity: to provide clean energy to countries around the globe,” the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, said following the signing of the alliance deal with Germany.
“Green hydrogen is an important key for a climate-neutral economy. We must resolutely pursue climate change mitigation in order to secure our prosperity and freedom. This is more important and urgent than ever at this time,” German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck said.
“The Hydrogen Alliance between Canada and Germany is a significant milestone as we accelerate the international market rollout of green hydrogen and clear the way for new transatlantic cooperation. Specifically, we aim to build up a transatlantic supply chain for green hydrogen. The first shipments from Canada to Germany are to begin as early as 2025.”
In partnership with Carleton University, Germany’s ParteQ, particle separation equipment supplier, the National Research Council of Canada, and RWTH Aachen University, the first-of-its-kind reactor is now fully in the global, low-carbon hydrogen spotlight.
Inside the first-of-its-kind reactor
The hydrogen produced by the modular version of GH Power’s 2MW reactor is pure and clean, with zero emissions, zero carbon and zero waste, using only 2 inputs (recycled aluminum and water). Only a small amount of energy is required to start the reactor, after which it is a self-sustaining operation that is a net generator of power to the grid.
GH Power’s Zero-Carbon Hydrogen
Zero-carbon hydrogen is arguably what could make or break the world’s net-zero emissions goals. It’s the closest answer we have to combat the disastrous impacts of climate change. The Hydrogen Council estimates that hydrogen will represent 18% of all energy delivered to end users by 2050, avoiding 6 gigatonnes of carbon emissions annually and turning around $2.5 trillion in annual sales (not to mention creating 30 million jobs globally).
For now, the majority of hydrogen in North America is produced by natural gas reforming in large central plants—an important step in the energy transition. The end goal, however, is to produce hydrogen without creating carbon emissions. Now, scientists are attempting to advance a process called “electrolysis” to create pure, clean hydrogen by splitting water into pure hydrogen and oxygen using high-temperature electrolyzers.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), the cost of producing hydrogen from renewable energy is around $5 per kilogram, or approximately 3X higher than producing hydrogen from natural gas. The DoE hopes the billions of dollars it’s pouring into R&D now will reduce hydrogen production costs by 80% (to an ideal of $1 per kilogram) within a decade.
By the company’s estimates, GH Power’s reactor is already 60% cheaper than producing hydrogen than DoE estimates, and it is a net producer of electricity to the grid. Its green alumina by-product production costs are also 85% cheaper than the most commonly used processes such as hydrochloric acid leaching and hydrolysis for alumina production.
The company has also had successful tests using scrap steel (iron) as another metal fuel providing a scalable hydrogen generation solution with a much lower costs basis at under a $1/kg hydrogen. Scrap steel (iron) is a widely available metal fuel that GH Power is testing.
Zero-Carbon Alumina—A World First
GH Power’s reactor produces green high-purity alumina (HPA)—a valuable specialty product used by several high-growth technology markets, including semiconductors, LED products, lithium-ion batteries, Smartphones, a multitude of other electronic devices, and industrial ceramics.
LED is a high-growth industry because it is critical to improving energy efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries are likewise experiencing soaring growth amid an energy transition driven heavily by the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles. Demand for Smartphones and other electric devices is also continuously rising. All of this suggests significant growth in demand for HPA.
Today’s supply is determined by production processes that are highly capital-intensive. Projects face financing issues as a result of high energy prices for production, leading to tight supply. GH Power looks to be very well position to compete in this market sector with their low-cost green alumina products.
Exothermic Heat & Carbon Credits
This is a new technology based on a circular economy. Not only does it use recyclable inputs, but the exothermic heat from the reaction can also be used to generate high quality steam and hot water for industrial applications.
And once scaled up, GH Power’s 27-megawatt plant will run off the combustion of hydrogen gas and capturing the energy from the reaction’s exothermic heat. This combined cycle (CHP) approach can be added to an existing power generation asset which could significantly reduce CO2 emissions or it can be utilized in a green field application thus significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional fossil fuel power generation.
First Revenue Generation
First revenue generation is anticipated in the fourth quarter, and then the future plan is all about scaling up the modular technology to much larger Combined Cycle Power Plants.
What next? Scaling up the energy transition
“The only practical solution for society to reduce carbon emissions is to transition from 100% fossil fuels to cleaner tech,” and one of the steps in tackling this is to blend hydrogen with fossil fuels and ramp up the hydrogen content whenever possible,” says Dave White, GH Power CEO and a veteran engineer in the power generation space. GH Power’s technology is modular and scalable which makes a plant’s configuration very flexible with maximum efficiency while meeting a customer’s energy requirements. GH Power has modeled a 27MW combined cycle plant and is in the early planning stages with customers.
Other companies looking to compete in the hydrogen race:
TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) is not the sort of company that half-commits to anything, and its hydrogen plans are no different. We’re talking about a traditional oil and gas titan that’s increasingly putting its chips on green energy—hydrogen being a key player. This isn’t just some pilot project or a sideline venture; they’re in it to become leaders in the hydrogen value chain.
Now, when a company with TotalEnergies’ clout gets serious about something, you’ve got to take notice. They’re applying their years of experience in the energy sector to this nascent industry, and it’s pretty exciting. They’re not just dipping their toes in the water—they’re doing a full swan dive.
For investors, the upshot here is simple yet profound. TotalEnergies offers a balanced bet. They’ve got the traditional fossil fuel revenues to offer stability and a burgeoning green energy portfolio that promises growth. Hydrogen is a cornerstone of that portfolio, and the company’s aggressive push into this sector could be a boon for shareholders.
Chevron (NYSE:CVX) seems to have taken the old adage “Go big or go home” quite seriously when it comes to hydrogen. This is a company that’s looking at the whole hydrogen landscape—from fuel cell vehicles to power plants—and thinking, “We can do something big here.” And considering their financial muscle, who’s to say they can’t?
What’s different about Chevron’s hydrogen endeavors is that they’re not abandoning their old roots; they’re leveraging them. It’s a multi-layered approach, integrating hydrogen into their existing operations. That’s both smart and economical, an evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach.
Investors, here’s your cue. Chevron’s in-depth involvement in hydrogen doesn’t just offer a slice of the green pie; it promises a whole new bakery. They’re using their financial clout and existing infrastructure to make a significant mark in this emerging field, and that could mean robust returns down the line.
ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) in hydrogen? Yep, you heard it right. They might be a latecomer, but they’re no slouch. The plan here is meticulous, using their already sprawling infrastructure to tap into this growing market. It’s a masterstroke that adds another layer to their energy portfolio without starting from scratch.
Sure, ExxonMobil isn’t ditching oil and gas anytime soon. But here’s the kicker: they don’t have to. They’re looking to be the smart integrators, the folks who can blend the old with the new seamlessly. If they pull it off, it’s akin to having their cake and eating it too.
For those with their eye on long-term investment, ExxonMobil’s foray into hydrogen offers something tempting—a blend of the stability from traditional fuel sources and the growth potential of renewable energy. In an evolving energy market, that could be a sweet spot for many an investor.
Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) play in hydrogen has a distinct character. Think of it as the Norwegians doing what they do best—leading by example in sustainability. Yes, we’re looking at a company that aims to fully integrate hydrogen into Europe’s energy transition. They’ve got projects focused not just on hydrogen production, but also on carbon capture and storage.
You can think of Equinor as a puzzle master of sorts. Their talent lies in piecing together the many elements of the hydrogen economy into a coherent whole. And hey, they’ve got the Scandinavian flair for efficiency and sustainability.
For investors with an appetite for something a bit more international, Equinor presents a tempting option. This is a company that’s got its hands in several cookie jars—from oil and gas to wind energy—and now it’s diving deep into hydrogen. It’s a well-rounded play in an energy market that’s becoming increasingly complex.
Eni SpA (NYSE:E) hydrogen story is intrinsically linked to Italy’s energy transition. From a company deeply rooted in the oil and gas industry, Eni is making audacious strides into hydrogen. Their recent partnerships aim to develop hydrogen production from renewable energy sources, and they’re already knee-deep in European projects aimed at creating hydrogen valleys.
The thing that sets Eni apart is their clear-cut focus on partnerships and collaboration. They’re not going it alone; they’re enlisting academic institutions, tech companies, and governments in their hydrogen endeavor. It’s a comprehensive ecosystem approach, which might just be their winning formula.
Now, why should an investor get hyped about Eni? Well, we’re talking about a company that’s making all the right moves to ensure it remains a key player in the future energy landscape. Their diversification into hydrogen is more than a fling—it’s a long-term commitment that could yield solid returns.
Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) brings a unique lens to the hydrogen world. This isn’t just about energy production for them; it’s also about industrial applications. Dow is keen on using hydrogen as a raw material in its chemical manufacturing processes, which is a pretty smart way to kill two birds with one stone: reducing their carbon footprint and advancing hydrogen use.
Investors should take note of Dow’s multipronged approach. They’re not just consumers of hydrogen; they’re enablers. This dual role makes their involvement in the hydrogen economy distinct and impactful. They’ve got the muscle and the motivation to be influencers in this sector.
So, where does this leave an investor? With Dow, you’re backing a company that’s more than just a sideline spectator in the hydrogen game. They’re a major player with skin in the game. As hydrogen becomes increasingly vital for both energy and industrial applications, Dow’s stock might just rise alongside.
Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) isn’t just a spectator in the hydrogen game; it’s an enabler. With a rich history in developing technologies for a range of industries, Honeywell sees hydrogen as a natural extension of its existing operations. We’re talking about hydrogen production tech, storage solutions, and even safety systems tailored for hydrogen applications.
If you’re thinking this sounds like a hydrogen one-stop-shop, you’re not wrong. Honeywell is crafting an integrated approach that makes hydrogen adoption simpler and more efficient for everyone else. They’re the architects building the very framework upon which the hydrogen economy could stand.
For investors, Honeywell represents an investment in the backbone of the burgeoning hydrogen economy. It’s a way to wager not just on one company, but on the success of hydrogen as a whole. Their cross-industry involvement provides a diversified hydrogen play that’s worth paying attention to.
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is big on wind and solar, but let’s not overlook their hydrogen agenda. They’ve recently initiated pilot projects to produce hydrogen from solar power, a method that’s as green as it gets. This is the firm betting that hydrogen will be the perfect companion to renewable energy sources, providing storage and versatility.
It’s like they’ve put their ear to the ground, heard the rumblings of the green hydrogen revolution, and decided they need a piece of that action. Their pilot projects may be small-scale now, but the implications could be massive. They’re not just dabbling in hydrogen; they’re connecting the dots between different renewable sources.
If you’re an investor looking for a diversified renewable energy portfolio, NextEra is where the action is. They’re already a powerhouse in renewables, and their hydrogen projects could add another layer of growth potential. It’s the sort of multi-layered bet that might just pay off big.
Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D) is carving out a niche for itself in the hydrogen economy by focusing on clean hydrogen solutions. They’re taking their utility expertise and applying it to the production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen—creating an integrated, end-to-end offering that’s not easy to come by.
Here’s the kicker: Dominion isn’t just looking at hydrogen as an add-on; they’re eyeing it as a critical piece in a broader clean energy strategy. They’ve got projects focused on using excess renewable energy to produce hydrogen, creating a synergistic relationship between two of the hottest sectors in clean energy.
So, why should this matter to an investor? Dominion is a prime example of an established utility company leaning into the future. By embracing hydrogen, Dominion is positioning itself as a leader in what could become one of the most transformative shifts in the energy landscape. It’s like betting on a seasoned athlete who has found a second wind.
PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) has had its share of challenges, but don’t overlook their foray into hydrogen. They’ve been working on integrating hydrogen into California’s renewable energy scene, which is no small feat. The company is exploring projects to harness wind and solar power for hydrogen production, effectively knitting together a sustainable energy tapestry that’s hard to rival.
What’s intriguing about PG&E is how they’re leveraging their existing infrastructure. The company is investigating the potential for hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, which could be a game-changer. It’s like they’re playing 3D chess while the rest of us are still figuring out checkers.
From an investment perspective, PG&E’s involvement in hydrogen is noteworthy. This is a company that’s looking to redefine itself and emerge stronger from its past setbacks. Their hydrogen initiatives provide a glimpse into a more resilient and diversified future, potentially offering investors an opportunity for both redemption and growth.
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Source: Yahoo Finance
