Hy2gen Canada has been selected by Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy to get a block of electricity for a renewable hydrogen and ammonia production plant in Baie-Comeau.
The energy for the 300MW Courant project will be supplied by Hydro-Québec and is a pivotal milestone for the scheme as this marks the point where front end engineering can begin and the final investment decision (FID) is within reach, said Hy2Gen Canada.
If the final investment decision is positive, the developer plans to start construction of the renewable ammonia plant in the second half of 2026, with first production scheduled for 2029, depending on Hydro-Québec’s connection schedule.
Hy2gen said this is another decisive step forward for the developer. Since 2023, it has been producing renewable hydrogen at the company’s plant in Werlte, Germany.
Courant is set to produce 237,000 tonnes of renewable ammonia per year and has an electrolyser capacity of 300MW.
The steady electricity supply from the hydro-electric-based power grid for the production plant will allow for a constant operation of the electrolysis process in which water is broken up into oxygen and hydrogen.
Together with nitrogen produced on site, this hydrogen will be turned into renewable ammonia. Courant’s location means short transport routes to off-takers, where the ammonia will be used to decarbonise chemicals production, enabling the transition to a sustainable and emission neutral industry.
“We are honoured by the Quebec government’s decision to award a block of energy to our Courant project in Baie-Comeau,” said Hy2gen chief executive Cyril Dufau-Sansot.
“This recognition is a vote of confidence in our vision and commitment to producing renewable hydrogen in Quebec.
“This is a giant step forward for Hy2gen Canada and the renewable energy industry, enabling us to make a significant contribution to decarbonizing the economy and achieving Quebec’s ambitious sustainable development goals.”
Hy2gen Canada director Pietro Di Zanno added: “We are grateful to the Quebec government, Hydro-Québec and the people of Baie-Comeau for their help in developing this flagship project.
“We look forward to working with everyone to advance the project and reap the benefits for Quebec.”