Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority Explores Green Hydrogen with Atura Power

April 4, 2023

The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Atura Power to provide them with green hydrogen.

As one of 17 Canadian port authorities and the largest on the Great Lakes, HOPA operates facilities in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara. HOPA is investigating the use of green hydrogen from Atura Power to decarbonize both its operations and that of its customers. The hydrogen will be produced at the Niagara Hydrogen Centre on the Niagara River.

“Atura Power is uniquely positioned to lead low-carbon hydrogen production and help decarbonize Ontario’s broader economy,” says Shelley Babin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atura Power. “We look forward to working with partners like the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, who are leading the marine industry towards environmental excellence.” 

Once complete, Atura Power’s Niagara Hydrogen Centre will feature a 20-megawatt electrolyzer system, making it Ontario’s largest green hydrogen facility. It is expected to be operational by the second half of 2024.

“With facilities throughout southern Ontario, HOPA has the potential ability to store and distribute hydrogen for industrial and transportation uses as adoption increases,” says Ian Hamilton, HOPA President and CEO. “HOPA is thrilled to be collaborating with Atura Power as a leader in this field, working together to accelerate decarbonization in the Great Lakes region.”

Low-carbon hydrogen will be an important tool in the fight against climate change. Atura Power, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), supports the net-zero goals outlined in OPG’s Climate Change Plan. Applications include:

• A low-carbon fuel substitute for feedstock in high-emitting industrial processes
• Blending hydrogen with natural gas to reduce its carbon impact, and
• Decarbonizing the aviation, ground, rail and maritime transportation industries.

About Atura Power

As Ontario’s largest fleet of combined-cycle gas turbine power plants, Atura Power plays a key role in the province’s electricity system and diverse generation supply. Atura’s flexible energy is readily available during peak demand periods, which is important given the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. 

Atura Power was selected by the provincial government to play a leadership role in establishing the supply of low-carbon hydrogen in Ontario to help the province move towards a net-zero future. It announced plans for green hydrogen facilities in Niagara, Windsor, and Nanticoke.