The hydrogen-blending project is being carried out with support from the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (STDC) and now will serve approximately 3,600 Markham-based customers in 2021.

If successful, the project will help Enbridge Gas in pursuing additional and larger scale hydrogen blending activities in other parts of its distribution system.

Read more: Plans unveiled for Canadian grid-injected hydrogen pilot

The $5.2m pilot blending project will help balance Ontario’s electricity supply and demand by storing the province’s surplus electricity as pure hydrogen until it’s needed.

Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy for Ontario, said, “I’m excited to see that this innovative low-carbon hydrogen project is fully operational. Today’s announcement is great news for families and businesses in the Markham area.

“Low-carbon hydrogen has the potential to play an important role supporting Ontario’s reliable, clean and sustainable energy future. Our government proudly supports the production of this promising new energy source.”

Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice-President & President of Gas Distribution & Storage at Enbridge Gas, said, “Zero-carbon hydrogen is now playing a role in Ontario’s shift to lower–carbon, sustainable energy solutions and is an important example of the investments Enbridge Gas is making across multiple markets to green the natural gas grid while continuing to meet the demand for safe, reliable and affordable energy.”

Amy Adams, Vice-President of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies at Cummins, said, “Projects like this demonstrate that the energy transition is accelerating quickly, driving the green hydrogen economy in North America, and paving the way for large-scale adoption.

“Cummins is proud to leverage our electrolyser technology to support Ontario’s zero-carbon goals and bring cleaner, greener energy to residents.”