Plug to supply electrolyser to Irving Oil
Demand for green hydrogen is growing because companies relying on other forms of hydrogen recognise the viability of achieving net-zero carbon emission targets.
Plug Power Inc. has been awarded a contract to deliver a 5 megawatt (MW) containerised proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser system to international energy company Irving Oil for the production and distribution of hydrogen at its Saint John, New Brunswick refinery, the largest in Canada.
Irving Oil will use the electrolyser to help with its goal of shifting its hydrogen production to low-carbon or green hydrogen in the future – with the investment of the electrolyser as an important first step on this journey. This supports the company’s commitment to leadership through the energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and developing more sustainable energy solutions.
Initially, Plug’s electrolyser technology, powered by the local electricity grid, will enable Irving Oil to produce 2 tonnes of hydrogen per day for refining and mobility applications. Plug’s electrolyser systems help customers shift hydrogen production to carbon-free green hydrogen over time.
Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug, said, “Driven by our leading electrolyser technology and unparalleled manufacturing capacity, we are honoured that Irving Oil has chosen Plug to support its initial investment in electrolytic hydrogen production. We look forward to expanding the partnership.”
Irving Oil’s initial investment in a 5 MW unit offers the opportunity to explore the role of electrolyser technology in driving emissions reductions at the Saint John refinery while also unlocking important new market opportunities, such as making hydrogen available for regional customers.
Ian Whitcomb, Irving Oil President, said, “This foundational project will accelerate our company’s learning about hydrogen as a downstream product while creating a decarbonisation pathway for our Saint John refinery.”
Plug’s 5 MW containerised electrolyser system for Saint John, New Brunswick refinery will be manufactured at Plug’s Gigafactory in Rochester, NY, the world’s first and largest PEM fuel cell and electrolyser manufacturing Gigafactory. Following manufacturing, deployment of the technology at the oil refinery is expected in Q3 2023, and hydrogen production is expected to be fully operational by late 2023.
