The Canadian government has given environmental approval to EverWind Fuels for the first phase of its C$6 billion (about $4.16B U.S., at current exchange rates) green hydrogen and green ammonia project in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia.
The project, which is expected to produce 1 million tons of green hydrogen and green ammonia per year, is a collaboration between EverWind and its First Nations equity partners Paqtnkek, Membertou and Potlotek.
Construction of the project is expected to begin in the first half of 2023. Under the first phase, 200,000 tons will be produced and exported annually starting in 2025. Full production capacity is expected to be reached by 2026, the Canadian green hydrogen developer says.
EverWind claims this to be the first independent green hydrogen and green ammonia project in North America to receive an Environmental Approval, and amongst the first in the world.
The company notes that it has already signed deals to deliver green ammonia to German off-takers E.ON and Uniper by 2025.
EverWind completed the acquisition of the Point Tupper terminal in early 2022. According to the company, the site has the capacity to generate over 10 million tons of green ammonia per year and is connected to critical infrastructure including pipelines, roads, and rail. The terminal is also said to be the deepest ice-free berth on the East Coast of North America.
“As a first mover in Atlantic Canada, EverWind is establishing a globally competitive clean energy hub, unlocking the immense local, national, and international opportunities presented by green hydrogen and green fuels,” Trent Vichie, CEO and Founder of EverWind, said.
Hydrogen does not contain carbon in its molecular chain and thus does not emit CO2. Ammonia, which is created from hydrogen and nitrogen, has been used for many years in the fertilizer and household product sectors. It also can be adapted as an energy carrier.
“The environmental approval announced today, will enhance the region’s ability to create the first mover supply chains necessary to scale quickly in new markets. Furthermore, it creates the foundation of a new industry in Canada and Nova Scotia that will lead the green energy transition,” Vichie added.
In December 2022, EverWind emerged as the winning candidate in a provincial request for applications for the use of Crown land. The company is now in the process of obtaining leases for 137,000 acres of land to build a 2 GW onshore wind farm. The wind farm is expected to provide energy for the second phase of EverWind’s green hydrogen production facility by 2026.
