FortisBC Invests in VulcanX's Hydrogen Pyrolysis Technology to Reduce Emissions and Power British Columbia

FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) and VulcanX Energy Corp. (VulcanX) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to advance the development of hydrogen pyrolysis technology. This collaboration aims to produce zero-emission hydrogen and solid carbon from natural gas at a cost-effective rate. The agreement, announced on August 14, 2024, signifies a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for British Columbia.

FortisBC, through its Clean Growth Innovation Fund, will provide funding to VulcanX to support the development of its proprietary technology. This investment demonstrates FortisBC's commitment to investing in innovative solutions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the energy needs of British Columbians.

The Potential of Hydrogen Pyrolysis

Hydrogen pyrolysis is a promising technology that separates natural gas into its fundamental components: hydrogen and solid carbon. VulcanX has developed a unique technology that utilizes a bubbling technique and a state-of-the-art molten metal recirculation system to achieve this separation efficiently. This process is key to VulcanX's efficient production method.

The hydrogen produced through this process can be used as a clean fuel source for various applications, including transportation, heating, and electricity generation. Furthermore, the solid carbon byproduct can be sold for industrial applications or used for carbon sequestration, further reducing the environmental impact.

FortisBC's Commitment to Clean Growth

FortisBC is committed to transitioning away from conventional natural gas and towards a future powered by renewable and low-carbon gases. This commitment is reflected in the company's Clean Growth Innovation Fund, which supports projects like VulcanX's hydrogen pyrolysis technology. This investment aligns with FortisBC's goal of playing a significant role in a lower-carbon energy future and supporting the goals of British Columbia's CleanBC strategy.

A Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The partnership between FortisBC and VulcanX underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving a sustainable future. By combining FortisBC's expertise in energy delivery with VulcanX's innovative technology, the two companies are working together to develop a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for British Columbia. This collaboration is a testament to the province's commitment to a clean energy transition and the potential of hydrogen to play a critical role in achieving this goal.

The Future of Hydrogen in British Columbia

The development of hydrogen pyrolysis technology in British Columbia has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the province's clean energy goals. The technology is currently being tested at a demonstration facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, and VulcanX is working with FortisBC to develop a full-scale facility in British Columbia that could produce up to one tonne of hydrogen per day.

The development of hydrogen production facilities in British Columbia could create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and position the province as a leader in the global hydrogen economy. This could also lead to the development of new hydrogen infrastructure and the establishment of a hydrogen supply chain, further contributing to the growth of the hydrogen sector in British Columbia and beyond.

A New Era of Clean Energy

FortisBC and VulcanX's partnership is an exciting development in the clean energy sector. The development of hydrogen pyrolysis technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create new jobs, and drive economic growth in British Columbia. This partnership is a testament to the growing role of hydrogen in the transition to a cleaner energy future, and it is a sign of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for British Columbia's clean energy sector.