The green hydrogen firm said technical teams completed the first hydrogen production tests of its Sorel-Tracy project at the end of November, showing the system was “properly functioning.”

Said to be Quebec’s first decentralised green hydrogen production facility, it marks the start of Charbone’s entry into becoming a clean gas producer and distributor, with plans to expand into other industrial gases.

The Sorel-Tracy project, near Montreal, currently hosts 2.25MW of electrolysis, with plans for a phased expansion up to 25.65MW. The project uses 100% grid power, composed entirely of hydroelectric energy.

For this first phase, Charbone acquired Cummins-made alkaline electrolysis equipment from a former Quebec hydrogen refuelling site.

“The completion of the Phase 1A installation and the successful completion of the first hydrogen production tests are key milestones for Charbone,” said CEO Dave Gagnon. “We are now entering the commercial production phase.”

At its current capacity, the project will produce up to 328 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.

In October, the company signed a five-year supply agreement with an “Ontario-based independent distributor” for deliveries of green hydrogen. Deliveries were slated to begin in November.

Beyond Sorel-Tracy, Charbone plans to build a network of up to 15 green hydrogen plants in North America with ABB, which will lead the design, engineering, fabrication, testing, and supply of electric substations.