The German government on Friday issued a statement confirming that the agreement will be signed on August 23 in Stephenville, where a Newfoundland-based company plans to build a zero-emissions plant that will use wind power to produce hydrogen and ammonia for export.
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If approved, the project would be the first of its kind in Canada. Germany is keen to find new sources of energy because Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent gas prices soaring. Russia has also reduced the flow of natural gas to its European customers, raising concerns about supply shortages. Story continues below ad Meanwhile, the company behind the Newfoundland project, World Energy GH2, said the first phase of the proposal calls for the construction of 164 onshore wind turbines to power a hydrogen production facility at the deep-water port in Stephenville. Long-term plans call for tripling the size of the project. “There is an increased urgency for Canada to get into this new market that is in such high demand,” said Stephenville Mayor Tom Rose, who noted that the province did not lift a moratorium on wind farm development until this year. “We are now poised to become North America’s green energy hub.” 1:03 Scholz expects deal on EU oil embargo against Russia ‘sooner or later’ Scholz expects deal on EU oil embargo against Russia ‘sooner or later’ – May 30, 2022 Among the companies behind the project is CFFI Ventures Inc., led by Nova Scotia-based billionaire John Risley, who is best known as the co-founder of Clearwater Seafoods. As for Trudeau and Scholtz, Rose said they will be met in Stephenville by cabinet ministers and a delegation of German businessmen attending a green energy trade show before the signing ceremony. Story continues below ad Rose said Stephenville is an ideal place for a wind farm because the area is known for its world-renowned “wind corridor.” The city also has the means to produce the large amounts of water needed to produce hydrogen because the heavy-duty infrastructure remains in place from the Abitibi-Price paper mill that closed in 2005. “It seems to be the energy of the future and the demand is very strong,” said Rose, who was born and raised in the area. “We step up when another country needs our resources.” The multi-billion dollar project was registered with the province in June and now requires an environmental impact statement. In its pitch, World Energy GH2 says it’s at the cutting edge of a new, green industry. “The development of large-scale green hydrogen production facilities is just beginning, giving (Newfoundland and Labrador) and Canada the opportunity and advantages to be a first mover in green energy,” the proposal states. “(Newfoundland and Labrador’s) unique geography, strong wind resource and proximity to major demand centers will make it a globally competitive green hydrogen production region.” The company points out that the vast majority of existing hydrogen production relies on natural gas or coal for its electricity, which means it produces unwanted carbon emissions. Story continues below ad
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Meanwhile, the company says construction of its first wind farm is scheduled for late next year on the Port au Port peninsula. At Cape St. On Saturday, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Trudeau will join the chancellor on a short Canadian visit that will include earlier stops in Montreal and Toronto, beginning Aug. 21. © 2022 The Canadian Press
