Project overview
The Niagara Hydrogen Centre (NHC) will be Ontario's largest green hydrogen production facility and help industries across the province adopt low carbon energy solutions. The 20 Megawatt facility will use electrolysis technology to split water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules, and be powered by renewable electricity directly from the nearby Sir Adam Beck II Generating Station (SAB II).
Class Environmental Assessment Process
The NHC High Voltage Substation is subject to the Class Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities (Class EA for MTF) (www.hydroone.com/ClassEA) in accordance with Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA Screening process for smaller scale projects with minimal environmental effects is being followed, subject to NHC satisfying the screening criteria outlined in the Class EA for MTF.
A Notice of Commencement of a Class Environmental Assessment and Invitation to a Community Information Session was issued on October 17, 2023, to communicate the start of the Class EA Process.
Niagara Hydrogen Centre
The new green hydrogen production facility will have municipal water and sewage connections as well as dedicated on-site water management and process utilities to ensure the safe production, compression and loading of hydrogen into mobile tube trailers. The Centre's once-through traffic design will result in the construction of two additional access points to Whirlpool Rd., with a dedicated entry and exit.
Medium Voltage Distribution Line
A dedicated 3.5 kilometre, 27.6 kilovolt (kV) electricity distribution line will deliver green hydroelectric power to the NHC. All energy to power the facility will come from the SAB II Generating Station (subject to regulatory approvals and power purchase agreements).
High Voltage Electrical Substation
A tie-in to the existing 230 kV high voltage connection between the SAB II GS and Hydro One's high-voltage switchyard is necessary to provide sufficient energy to power the green hydrogen production facility. This electrical substation will include all necessary high voltage equipment, including protection and controls systems to support the safe and long-term operation of the NHC and Ontario's electrical grid.
Project Details & Benefits
- Local hydrogen production and supply will solidify the Niagara Region as a prominent green hydrogen hub for heavy-duty trucking, regional transportation, and heavy industrial consumers in Ontario.
- Hydrogen will be produced using run-of-river hydroelectricity and will support the provincial electricity grid stability provided at SAB II GS.
- Some of the hydrogen produced is planned to be blended into one of Atura Power's gas turbines at Halton Hills GS, which would result in Ontario's first cofired electricity generating station using hydrogen. This project was supported by the financial contribution of the Independent Electricity System Operator.
- Supports federal and provincial strategies identifying the role of hydrogen in helping meet climate change objectives.
Project timeline
- Completed milestones
- Future milestones
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Contact us
Comments and information regarding this project are being collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of meeting environmental assessment requirements. With the exception of personal information, all comments received will become part of the project record.
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