What is hydrogen? 

Hydrogen is the lightest element on the periodic table and commonly exists as two hydrogen atoms together (H2). The H2 molecule is a colourless, odorless gas that produces energy if broken apart. Hydrogen is already an important component in some industrial processes in Atlantic Canada and could become an increasingly common source of energy to help the region reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 

How is hydrogen made? 

Hydrogen is not often found naturally on its own, but it can be produced through different processes by separating it from other molecules such as water (H2O) or methane (CH₄).  

Hydrogen is commonly separated from methane using an industrial process called steam methane reforming, which can release greenhouse gas emissions. There are technologies that can help to decarbonize this process including using carbon capture or microwave reforming. Hydrogen can also be separated from methane through a process called pyrolysis, wherein heat is used to decompose natural gas, yielding hydrogen and solid carbon.

Alternatively, hydrogen can be split from oxygen in water by using a process called electrolysis. Electrolysis can be conducted using a device called an electrolyser, which can be powered by non-emitting or renewable electricity sources such as hydro, wind, geothermal, biomass, solar, or nuclear, resulting in hydrogen and oxygen and no harmful by-products.  

What is the role of hydrogen in Atlantic Canada’s net-zero future? 

There is potential in Atlantic Canada to replace some natural gas used in applications such as cement production, petrochemical refinement, and heating. Natural gas currently plays a key role in heating water and powering residential and commercial electricity, heating, and cooling systems.

The natural gas pipeline system in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is made from polyethylene plastic pipes, unlike much of the rest of North America which uses steel. Due to these modern and hydrogen-friendly pipelines, Atlantic Canada is considered the most hydrogen-ready gas grid in North America. It is anticipated between 5 and 20 per cent of hydrogen can be blended into an existing natural gas supply without needing to change any equipment. 

In transportation, hydrogen is already used to power some light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in other provinces or states including California, British Columbia, and Quebec. Hydrogen vehicles could have important applications for heavy-duty transportation including buses, in aviation and for marine shipping.  

Projects from companies across the region’s energy sector, such as Liberty Utilities, Nu:ionic, Irving Oil, Eastward Energy, Braya Renewable Fuels, and AKA Energy Systems are exploring new technologies and additional applications to use non-emitting or low-emitting hydrogen domestically. The Port of Belledune is also exploring applications to use hydrogen for export and to develop value-added goods for export using this fuel. 

EverWind Fuels, the Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation, Toqlukuti’k Wind, and Hydrogen Inc. (ABO Wind), World Energy GH2, and Bear Head Energy are in varying stages of developing projects to produce and export hydrogen. These projects would use electricity mostly gained from new wind generation to make the hydrogen for export.