Developer TES Canada H2 has revealed plans for a $4bn green hydrogen scheme it has dubbed Projet Mauricie in the country.
Totalling $4bn in investments for the region, the project consists of the construction of an electrolyzer and renewable energy production assets which, when it is commissioned in 2028, will produce 70,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year for the Quebec market.
With the aim of reducing annual CO2 emissions by 800,000 tonnes, it is among the largest decarbonization projects announced in the province to date said the developer.
Approximately a third of the fuel produced will be dedicated to decarbonizing long-haul transportation, which accounts for nearly 10% of Quebec’s annual emissions. The remaining volumes will be used to produce e-NG (electric renewable natural gas) for hard-to-abate industries.
“Clean energy represents a generational economic opportunity,” said Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson.
“This project in the Mauricie region will create hundreds of sustainable jobs while providing affordable, reliable and clean energy to the Québec power grid, as well as to the industry and transportation sectors. Projects like this one help to fight climate change and create a prosperous future.”
Projet Mauricie will contribute to achieving 3% of the province’s GHG reduction targets by 2030 said TES.
“Being a climate leader pays dividends for our economy,” said Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault.
“TES Canada’s Projet Mauricie embodies this innovative vision through its commitment to decarbonization. This major commitment to the local community is the cornerstone of long-term economic well-being for the region.
“By combining the reduction of CO2 emissions, the creation of quality jobs along with regional economic dynamism, this project illustrates the immense potential of green energy for our collective future.”
The majority of the project’s energy needs will be met by its own 1GW wind and solar farm said TES.
Located in the Vallée de la transition énergétique, the scheme will create more than 1000 jobs during the construction period and over 200 posts in the long term.
“We are proud to be developing this major project in the Mauricie region, the cradle of renewable energy in Québec,” TES Canada general manager Éric Gauthier.
“The region, at the heart of the Vallée de la transition énergétique, offers many advantages to deliver hydrogen to Québec users. The economic spin-offs will be significant for Shawinigan and the Mauricie region and will position Québec as a leader in decarbonization.”
MP for Saint-Maurice-Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne added: “The Projet Mauricie once again positions our region at the heart of the transition towards a green economy.
“By leveraging the innovation and strength of our resources, TES Canada is contributing to the shift towards a new era of more sustainable energy, fostering the emergence of an economy that is greener and more resilient.
“This flagship project, which will create hundreds of good jobs for local workers, reflects our government’s commitment to a cleaner future for the Mauricie region, and for Québec and Canada as well.”
As part of the development, TES is launching its local stakeholder information and consultation process, starting with open-house community information sessions on
21 November in Shawinigan, 27 November in Saint-Adelphe and 28 November in Saint-Narcisse. For more information on the project, visit www.projetmauricie.ca.