Quebec City hosts a public consultation for a new draft binational standard, aiming to unify the methodology for assessing the environmental impact of hydrogen production across Canada and the United States. This initiative seeks to provide transparency and improve the commercial viability of low-carbon hydrogen production.
In an effort to standardize the assessment of environmental impacts associated with hydrogen production, the Bureau de normalization du Québec (BNQ) and the CSA Group have launched a public consultation on a new draft binational standard. This consultation, open until July 30, 2024, invites stakeholders to contribute towards refining the methodologies used to measure and report the carbon intensity and environmental footprint of hydrogen production processes.
This initiative follows a prior consultation in the United States and seeks to establish a harmonized framework that will assist hydrogen producers, distributors, and consumers in accurately reporting on the sustainability of their operations. The draft standard, known as CAN/BNQ 1789-200, will address various facets of hydrogen production, including the types of raw materials and energy sources utilized, water consumption, supply chain geography, and supply methods.
The standard is designed not only to streamline data communication concerning hydrogen production but also to enhance the recognition of low-carbon energy production methods globally. By providing a reliable and uniform method for reporting carbon intensity, it aims to boost the commercial appeal of producers who engage in environmentally responsible practices.
Isabelle Landry, senior director of the BNQ, emphasized the need for a consensus in this area, stating, “There is no consensus on the informal systems currently used to describe hydrogen production based on the carbon intensity of supply chains. This draft standard aims to determine how hydrogen should be assessed, named, and identified to provide consistency across markets in a way that contributes to the decarbonization of energy production and certain industrial processes.”
The consultation process is supported by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE) of Quebec and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), underscoring the governmental backing for sustainable energy initiatives. The finalized standard is slated for publication in spring 2025, following thorough analysis and incorporation of public feedback.
For those interested in participating, details and documents related to the draft standard are available on the CSA Group website. This consultation represents a critical step towards establishing a transparent, effective framework for the hydrogen industry, aiming to facilitate better environmental stewardship and economic outcomes in the energy sector.
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