A $2 billion project for the production of green hydrogen and ammonia in Canada has been announced by metals and mining magnate, Andrew Forrest. The Western Australian billionaire said the hydrogen would be produced through electrolysing water using electricity generated from large-scale renewable energy projects. Meanwhile, greenfield ammonia plants would make use of hydrogen produced through the project. “The project will deliver very, very large-scale… zero emissions energy well below US$1, or about A$1.30 or so a kilo,” Forrest said. “The fuel cell market has just transformed across the world. As of last week, we are now cheaper than every fossil fuel for the energy that is required to transport the fuel cell vehicles… and we know it will flow into trains, it will flow into everything,” he said.
FFI is working on its bid to anchor the global green hydrogen market today with the unveiling of a $2 billion initiative that will produce 140,000 tonnes of hydrogen and 700,000 tonnes of ammonia in Prince George every year.
Project Coyote, using 1,000 MW from BC Hydro, will utilize advanced electrolysis technology to convert water to green hydrogen and further convert said hydrogen into green ammonia for use as eco-friendly fertilizer or alternative fuels.
The project has already entered the environmental approval phase, adhering to all the applicable regulations to obtain the relevant permits. The company’s commitment to adhering to strict environmental protocols is demonstrated in this stage of the process.
During his visit with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan, Andrew Forrest, founder and Chairman of Fortescue Future Industries and the Fortescue Metals Group, spoke about the significance of hydrogen in Prince George. According to Forrest, Prince George is a crucial part of the hydrogen story, given its natural assets.
“Prince George offers unique potential for producing hydrogen, thanks to our clean air, abundant water and vast sources of electricity,” said Forrest.
Fortescue knows how important it is to work with local people and communities. It already has agreements in place, signed late in 2021, with three First Nations (Aboriginal/Indigenous) communities in Canada: the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Kitselas First Nation, and the Blueberry River First Nations. These Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) put Fortescue on a “solid footing for multiple renewable energy initiatives across Canada”.
Prince George is also supported by the provincial government as one of the regions’ hydrogen hubs. The city has received funding from the government earlier this year to help enhance its part in the growing hydrogen sector.
Project Coyote is not an isolated endeavor for Fortescue, but instead it is part of a broader goal to produce 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Fortescue is exploring more opportunities in areas such as Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Manitoba, which will further expand our commitment to strong partnerships and sustainable energy production.
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