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Enbridge Gas announces the launch of the first-of-its-kind hydrogen-blending project in North America

1/13/2022

Press Release - Enbridge

Enbridge Gas Inc., in partnership with Cummins Inc. and with support from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and NGIF Capital Corporation, is thrilled to announce that the first-of-its-kind in North America hydrogen-blending project is now fully operational and successfully serving the Markham community. Hydrogen blending refers to injecting clean hydrogen into the delivered natural gas to reduce its carbon footprint.

This $5.2 M pilot blending project involves enhancements to the existing Markham Power-to-Gas facility, which was built through an Enbridge-Cummins joint venture in 2018 to help balance Ontario's electricity supply and demand by storing the province's surplus electricity as pure hydrogen until it's needed.

Through this innovative project, clean hydrogen from the facility is now also being injected into a portion of Enbridge Gas' existing natural gas system serving about 3,600 customers in Markham, Ontario. Blending hydrogen with traditional natural gas reduces greenhouse gas emissions, enabling lower carbon natural gas service delivery without impacting energy costs, reliability, or safety.

This project will eliminate up to 117 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, moving the City of Markham further toward its objective of net zero emissions by 2050, and is just one of many steps Enbridge Gas is taking as part of its overall commitment to help drive Ontario's transition to a clean energy future.

Additionally, the pilot project's success places Enbridge Gas in a position to validate and pursue larger-scale hydrogen-blending activities in other parts of its distribution system, strengthening the capacity for made-in-Ontario clean energy solutions.

Quotes

"Congratulations to Enbridge and the City of Markham for the successful launch of this pilot project. The effective utilization of hydrogen is a critical part of our government's plan to lower emissions across Canada. This initiative highlights the significant opportunities associated with clean hydrogen as well as the innovative technologies being developed by companies operating in Canada's energy sector. I look forward to seeing the deployment of similar and scaled initiatives going forward." Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

"I'm excited to see that this innovative low-carbon hydrogen project is fully operational. Today's announcement is great news for families and businesses in the Markham area. Low-carbon hydrogen has the potential to play an important role supporting Ontario's reliable, clean and sustainable energy future. Our government proudly supports the production of this promising new energy source." Ontario Minister of Energy, Honourable Todd Smith

"There is tremendous potential in low-carbon hydrogen to fuel a cleaner, greener Ontario, and I commend Enbridge for its innovation in this exciting space. As the first project of its kind, this pilot represents the new era for hydrogen-blending in our province and will save 117 tonnes of carbon emissions: more than the annual energy use of 14 homes. Our government looks forward to introducing Ontario's first ever low-carbon hydrogen strategy soon so that we can expand use of this clean fuel for families and businesses across the province." David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

"The City of Markham commends Enbridge Gas on the launch of its hydrogen-blending initiative that will see local households participate in this first-of-a-kind project in Canada that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with Ontario clean energy solutions. Markham's GHG's per capita is amongst the lowest of any large municipality in Canada and Enbridge Gas' hydrogen-blending project complements our municipal energy plan of reaching net zero emissions by 2050." Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti

"Zero-carbon hydrogen is now playing a role in Ontario's shift to lower–carbon, sustainable energy solutions and is an important example of the investments Enbridge Gas is making across multiple markets to green the natural gas grid while continuing to meet the demand for safe, reliable and affordable energy." Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President & President, Gas Distribution & Storage.

"Projects like this demonstrate that the energy transition is accelerating quickly, driving the green hydrogen economy in North America, and paving the way for large-scale adoption. Cummins is proud to leverage our electrolyzer technology to support Ontario's zero-carbon goals and bring cleaner, greener energy to residents." Amy Adams, Vice President of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies, Cummins Inc.

"Enbridge Gas' hydrogen-blending pilot project is an excellent example of the type of innovation the Canadian Gas Association aimed to advance when we created the Natural Gas Innovation Fund several years ago. We are excited to see this groundbreaking project come to life. By leveraging our world-class energy delivery infrastructure, Enbridge Gas is advancing the development and use of renewable gas that will support innovation, and make meaningful emission reductions, all while continuing to meet customers' needs for affordable and reliable energy." Timothy M. Egan, President & CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation

"The Enbridge and Cummins hydrogen-blending project is a great example of the cleantech investments NGIF Capital Corporation is making in the natural gas sector. The demand for better environmental performance, while maintaining resiliency and affordability, requires steady investments in energy solutions including the production hydrogen. NGIF Industry Grants is proud to have provided early funding support to this successful pilot that is changing the face of the industry." John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Capital Corporation and Managing Partner, NGIF Cleantech Ventures