Ontario’s Hydrogen-Powered EH-lec-tricity: A Boot to the Grid, Eh?

The province is throwing $5.9 million into the Hydrogen Innovation Fund, and we’re not talking about stuffing bills into a giant inflatable hydrogen balloon at the Canadian Tire parking lot, eh? Nope, it’s all about integrating hydrogen into Ontario’s electricity grid, making it as smooth as a double-double at Tim Hortons.
Nine New Projects Aim to Add More ‘Eh’-fficient Clean Electricity, Reduce Emissions, and Keep the Lights on Without Running Out of Poutine
Todd Smith, our Minister of Energy, says, “Hey, we’re building new electricity stuff, so the next big international investment feels at home, just like when your buddy crashes on your couch. Natural gas is doing the heavy lifting, but we’re throwing cash at hydrogen like it’s a stack of Canadian Tire money.”
Now, check this out, Atura Power is getting $4.1 million to mix hydrogen with natural gas at Halton Hills Generating Station. They’re turning excess water, the stuff Niagara Falls would throw out anyway, into clean electricity. It’s like turning spilled poutine into a gourmet dish, eh?
They’re also tossing $150,000 into figuring out if low-carbon hydrogen from wind power can fuel a turbine in Goderich
But wait, there’s more! Capital Power is getting over $200,000 to study the mix of hydrogen and natural gas in Brampton, Windsor, and Newmarket. They’re also tossing $150,000 into figuring out if low-carbon hydrogen from wind power can fuel a turbine in Goderich. It’s like trying to blend your favorite Timbit flavors, but with electricity.
HydroMéga Services up in Cochrane are getting $100,000 to upgrade their natural gas facility. They’re throwing in some renewable energy and low-carbon hydrogen storage, turning their power plant into a futuristic log cabin, powered by green energy and molson, eh?
… like solving the puzzle of where to park your snowmobile in a Toronto condo
York University is pocketing $38,000 to turn their gas turbine generators into hydrogen-blending machines. Another $90,000 is going into figuring out how big and expensive these hydrogen facilities should be,
Western University, bless their hearts, are getting $498,000 to set up a demo site. Picture this – testing solar-generated hydrogen and biogas-generated hydrogen, like a scientific experiment to find out which one makes the most ‘eh’-vironmental sense.
Volta Energy in Toronto is scoring $491,352 to check out reversible solid oxide hydrogen cells. It sounds complicated, but it’s like trying to figure out how to turn your empty ketchup chips bag into a renewable energy source.
Legal marijuana and hydrogen, eh?
Lastly, The Transition Accelerator in Hamilton is getting over $100,000 to research if the Hamilton region can be a hydrogen hub. It’s like making sure your buddy’s place is ready for the ultimate Canadian potluck.
Andrea Khanjin, our Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks, says, “We’re reducing greenhouse gases, keeping energy costs down, and securing benefits for future generations – it’s like apologizing for hogging the hockey puck but then sharing it, eh?”
It’s like transitioning from wearing a toque all year round
Lesley Gallinger, the President and CEO of the Independent Electricity System Operator, is all about decarbonizing Ontario’s electricity system. It’s like transitioning from wearing a toque all year round to a more sustainable fashion statement.
So, Ontario’s got this Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy, and they’ve set up the Hydrogen Innovation Fund. They’re tossing $15 million into it over three years, making it rain more than a Molson-soaked beaver in a snowstorm. It’s like betting on the winning team at the LCBO, eh? Cheers to a hydrogen-powered, ‘eh’-fficient future!
About The Author
Rob Bobbins
Rob has 30+ years professional experience dawdling, idling, loafing and loggygagging.