Trudeau and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to sign hydrogen deal

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HALIFAX — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are set to signal a inexperienced power settlement later this month in Newfoundland that might show pivotal to Canada’s nascent hydrogen business.

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The German authorities on Friday issued a press release confirming the settlement might be signed Aug. 23 in Stephenville, the place a Newfoundland-based firm plans to construct a zero-emission plant that can use wind power to provide hydrogen and amonia for export.

If authorized, the undertaking can be the primary of its variety in Canada.

Germany is eager to search out new sources of power as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a surge in pure fuel costs. As properly, Russia has diminished its stream of pure fuel to its European clients, prompting issues about provide shortages.

In the meantime, the corporate behind the Newfoundland undertaking, World Power GH2, has stated the primary part of the proposal requires build up 164 onshore wind generators to energy a hydrogen manufacturing facility on the deep-sea port at Stephenville. Lengthy-term plans name for tripling the scale of the undertaking.

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“There’s a heightened urgency for Canada to step into this new market that’s in such excessive demand,” stated Stephenville Mayor Tom Rose, who famous the province didn’t carry a moratorium on wind farm improvement till this yr.

“We’re poised now to be the inexperienced power hub of North America.”

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Among the many firms behind the undertaking is CFFI Ventures Inc., led by Nova Scotia-based billionaire John Risley, who’s greatest often called co-founder of Clearwater Seafoods.

As for Trudeau and Scholz, Rose stated they are going to be joined in Stephenville by cupboard ministers and a delegation of German enterprise leaders who will attend a inexperienced power commerce present earlier than the signing ceremony.

Rose stated Stephenville is a perfect place for a wind farm as a result of the realm is thought for having a world-class “wind hall.” As properly, the city has the means to provide the big quantities of water wanted for hydrogen manufacturing as a result of heavy-duty infrastructure stays in place from the Abitibi-Value paper mill that closed in 2005.

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“It seems to be the power of the long run and the demand may be very strong,” stated Rose, who was born and raised within the space. “We’re stepping up when one other nation wants our sources.”

The multibillion-dollar undertaking was registered with the province in June and now requires an environmental influence assertion.

In its proposal, World Power GH2 says it’s on the chopping fringe of a brand new, inexperienced business.

“The event of large-scale inexperienced hydrogen manufacturing services is simply beginning, offering (Newfoundland and Labrador) and Canada with the chance and benefits of being a primary mover within the inexperienced power sector,” the proposal says.

“(Newfoundland and Labrador’s distinctive geography, sturdy wind useful resource and proximity to massive centres of demand, will make it a globally aggressive inexperienced hydrogen producing area.”

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The corporate factors out that the overwhelming majority of current hydrogen manufacturing depends on pure fuel or coal for its electrical energy, which suggests it produces undesirable carbon emissions.

In the meantime, the corporate says development of its first wind farm is slated for late subsequent yr on the Port au Port Peninsula.

In Cape St. George, which is on the peninsula, Mayor Stella Cornect has stated residents are fearful in regards to the undertaking’s potential influence on the realm’s delicate ecosystem, which incorporates uncommon and endangered crops.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister’s Workplace confirmed Trudeau will accompany the chancellor on a quick Canadian go to that can embrace earlier stops in Montreal and Toronto, beginning Aug. 21.