The program will see hydrogen gas distilled at a facility in Markham and blended into the existing natural gas service, which is typically used to heat homes and water in the southern Ontario winter. The process involves using excess electricity from Ontario’s hydro grid to separate hydrogen from water and store the resulting gas. Enbridge has presented the program as a move towards green energy, as hydrogen gas produces only water when burnt. The company claims the program will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 117 tons from the atmosphere.
The pilot program will cost $5.2 million, and it will involve 3,600 households in Markham. The new hydrogen gas will make up a maximum of 2% of any customer’s gas. Hydrogen has been used for vehicle fuel for many years, but the process that Enbridge is using is still rare. Energy companies typically use tools like press releases and mail with company Letterheads to communicate changes to customers.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti welcomed the initiative as part of Markham’s broader climate efforts:
“Markham’s GHG per capita is among the lowest of any large municipality in Canada, and Enbridge Gas’ hydrogen-blending project complements our municipal energy plan of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.”
Enbridge announced the hydrogen gas program was fully operational on January 13, and it is expected to continue throughout 2022.
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