Enbridge Gas Inc., along with 2G Energy (2G) and CEM Engineering, announced that it will install a combined heat and power (CHP) system with full hydrogen capabilities at Enbridge Gas' Technology and Operations Centre (TOC) in Markham, Ontario early next year. This is a first-of-its-kind project in North America, and its success will open the door for similar hydrogen-powered projects across the province. The overall goal is to power the facility on 100% hydrogen.

The system can take natural gas, hydrogen or a blend of gas ranging from 25% to 100% hydrogen, and can transition between fuel sources in minutes, which optimizes efficient energy use and reduces emissions while maintaining maximum reliability. It operates via an engine that drives a generator, producing electricity. The residual heat created during this process is recaptured and utilized.

Innovative and collaborative solutions are needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With hydrogen-fuel flexibility, this mature technology is being deployed as a viable way to green the building sector, which is the second largest source of GHG emissions in Ontario. While this project is small in scale, its implications are impressive.

The system could consume approximately 78,000 kg of hydrogen annually, and the expected GHG emissions reduction when it's operating solely on hydrogen is approximately 133 tonnes of CO2e—that's roughly equivalent to removing 28 passenger vehicles off the road each year. CHP systems are extremely resilient as they operate independently of the main grid yet are complementary to it. They are also versatile and can be employed in a wide range of sizes, with demonstrated compatibility in different applications, fuel sources and technologies.

Key Facts: The 115 kW CHP unit will be provided by 2G and it will be able to operate with a minimum blend of 25% t hydrogen to 75% natural gas mix up to a full 100% pure hydrogen delivery. It is estimated that the CHP system could consume approximately 78,000 kg of hydrogen. The expected greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction is approximately 133 tonnes of CO2e annually when the system is being powered by 100% hydrogen—roughly equivalent to removing 28 passenger vehicles off the road each year.