FortisBC and VulcanX sign new hydrogen technology agreement

The companies intend to work on the development of new H2 pyrolysis tech

FortisBC Energy Inc. and VulcanX Energy Corp have signed an agreement that would have them collaborating on developing hydrogen technology focusing on pyrolysis. 

The method would use natural gas to make H2 and solid carbon

Using pyrolysis as hydrogen technology in the way outlined by the agreement focuses on producing H2 as well as solid carbon through methods based on natural gas, a fossil fuel. 

FortisBC’s role in the agreement is to provide VulcanX with the funding for the development of a proprietary technology, using FortisBC’s Clean Growth Innovation Fund in British Columbia, Canada.

“We are pleased to work with companies such as VulcanX through the Clean Growth Innovation Fund to advance the development of new technologies that can be used for the production of hydrogen,” said FortisBC vice president of energy supply and resource development Joe Mazza. “We believe that hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in a lower-carbon energy future and can help meet the energy needs of British Columbians while supporting the goals of the province’s CleanBC strategy.”

Hydrogen technology for decarbonization

Though the FortisBC gas system is still dependent on a fossil fuel, the purpose is to use it to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses by moving away from the delivery of natural gas to delivering low-carbon and renewable gases instead, such as renewable natural gas (RNG) and eventually H2.

The Clean Energy Act has authorized amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation (GGRR), making it possible for FortisBC and other energy utilities to participate in the establishment and growth of an H2 sector in the Canadian province.  By way of the GGRR, FortisBC is able to invest directly in the production and distribution of H2 as a source of cleaner energy.

The province is on board with the strategy

“It’s exciting to see collaborations underway within the sector that are reducing emissions and creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for British Columbians,” said British Columbia Minister of energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne, in a statement about the hydrogen technology agreement.