The New York, US-based company has said the contract will see a 5MW containerised proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser delivered to Irving Oil’s Saint John, New Brunswick refinery, which it has said is the largest of its kind in Canada.

Set to initially be powered by the local electricity grid, the firms says the electrolyser will enable the oil company to produce two tonnes of hydrogen per day, set to be used for refining and mobility applications, with a view to move to green hydrogen production eventually.

H2 View understands Irving Oil intend on using the electrolyser as a first step in its shift towards hydrogen production and distribution, contributing to its goals of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and developing more sustainable energy solutions.

Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power, said, “Demand for green hydrogen is growing because companies that have relied on other forms of hydrogen are recognising the viability of achieving Net Zero carbon emission targets.

“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.”

Planned to be deployed at the refinery in the third quarter of 2023, Irving’s investment in the electrolyser unit hopes to make hydrogen more readily available to regional customers, further contributing to Canada’s uptake in hydrogen.

Read more: Minister O’Regan unveils Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy

Ian Whitcomb, President of Irving Oil, commented, “We believe that low-carbon hydrogen production, use, and distribution will play an important role in our decarbonisation journey.

“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.”