Clean Fuels

Hydrogen will contribute to lowering GHGs and act as a versatile energy carrier to offset many carbon intensive (CI) applications that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as long-range transportation and heating. When used in fuel cells, the only byproduct produced is water vapor, resulting in zero emissions at point-of-use. Other applications include the distribution of combined-heat-and-power; systems for storing and enabling renewable energy; and fuel for forklifts, drayage trucks, and tractors. In 2022, Hydra Energy broke ground on the world's largest hydrogen refueling station in Prince George.

Renewable diesel is a hydrocarbon most often produced via hydrotreating and gasification. It provides a drop-in replacement for conventional diesel, allowing for a seamless fuel transition without significant changes. Prince George is home to a $342M renewable diesel plant, Tidewater Renewables, which is expected to have a capacity of 3 million barrels per day (45.99 MMgy) once fully operational by the end of 2023. The facility also features an integrated renewable hydrogen plant for refinery operations.

Similar to renewable diesel, advanced biofuels offer significant GHG reductions, utilize waste materials and non-food crops, and are compatible with existing fuel infrastructure, vehicles, and aircraft. These biofuels employ advanced conversion technologies to transform lignocellulosic biomass into transportation fuels. Arbios Biotech, a joint venture between Canfor and Australia's Licella, is currently permitting their facility in Prince George, where there is an abundance of wood-fibre supply from the surrounding area and biomass from sawmill residues.

Low-carbon technology can play a significant role in supporting the built environment. By leveraging energy efficient designs with renewable materials and renewable energy sources, a net-zero building is up to 80% more energy efficient than a conventional building and uses self-generated or nearby renewable energy equivalent to what it consumes. Unavoidable emissions might use carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) to achieve net-zero. In Prince George, local companies like Winton Homes are advancing construction methods to produce net-zero ready homes at scale.