World Energy GH2 Awarded Crown Lands for One of the World’s First Commercial-Scale Green Hydrogen Projects

World Energy GH2 Inc., a Newfoundland and Labrador-based renewable energy company, has been awarded Crown land applications for Project Nujio’qonik, which aims to be one of the world’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen projects. The land approvals mark the company’s latest major achievement and propel Project Nujio’qonik forward on its path to becoming the first commercial-scale green hydrogen project in North America and one of the first projects of its kind in the world.

What is Project Nujio’qonik?

Project Nujio’qonik is a consortium of partners investigating the feasibility of a cost-effective, wind power to green hydrogen/ammonia production facility to be located on the west coast of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The project will be Canada’s first commercial green hydrogen/ammonia producer created from 3+ GW of renewable electricity through wind projects in one of the world’s first wind-to-green-hydrogen projects at a commercial scale.

Development of Project Nujio’qonik is planned for the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), initially comprised of two 1GW wind farms and a hydrogen/ammonia plant in the Port of Stephenville. The Project will be among the world’s first wind-to-green-hydrogen projects at commercial scale with green hydrogen production beginning in late 2025. In addition to the two initial wind farm approvals, the Crown Land award includes two additional areas, for a total of 4GW of buildable wind farm areas in the immediate vicinity of the proposed plant site at the Port of Stephenville.

Crown land leases are contingent upon proponents completing the provincial Environmental Assessment process and Project Nujio’qonik is currently the only green hydrogen project in NL that has conducted the required analysis and submitted an Environmental Impact Statement EIS) requiring over 15 months of field and desktop studies; an EIS is the most stringent Environmental Assessment level in the province.

World Energy GH2 has secured Crown land approval for sites in Port au Port and the Anguille Mountains/Codroy area for the initial phases of the Project, and has also gained approval for expansion sites in the Long Range Mountains and along the Burgeo Highway. The Company will begin a consultation and engagement process with communities in and near the future expansion site areas.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis. The resulting hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that can be used in a variety of applications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods, which rely on fossil fuels, green hydrogen is a carbon-free alternative that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What are Crown Lands?

Crown Lands are public lands owned by the government and managed by the Crown Lands Division of the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources in Newfoundland and Labrador. These lands are used for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, forestry, mining, and renewable energy projects.

Why is Project Nujio’qonik Important?

Project Nujio’qonik is an important step towards a more sustainable future. The project will produce green hydrogen, which is a clean-burning fuel that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It will also create jobs and economic opportunities in the region, helping to support local communities.

Sean Leet, Managing Director and CEO of World Energy GH2, thanks the province for their work on helping develop this new industry, “A big thank you to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their dedication and diligence throughout the Crown lands process, and for helping lay the groundwork for launching a new clean energy industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

“This past spring, we acquired the Port of Stephenville and signed a USD $50M investment agreement with SK eco plant. Earlier this month, we submitted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), we’ve now completed our pre-FEED (front-end engineering and design) work and are regularly discussing plans with potential suppliers, vendors, and customers. We have also made progress in our relationship with the Qalipu First Nation and local community bands, now working toward the development of definitive agreements. The next major milestone for Project Nujio’qonik will be the province’s response to the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We expect the province’s response this fall. We also look forward to further details from the federal government regarding the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit (ITC) coverage and Contracts for Difference (CFD) mechanisms required to stand up this new clean energy industry in Canada,” said Leet.

What are the Next Steps for Project Nujio’qonik?

World Energy GH2 has secured Crown land approval for sites in Port au Port and the Anguille Mountains/Codroy area for the initial phases of the project, and has also gained approval for expansion sites in the Long Range Mountains and along the Burgeo Highway. The company will begin a consultation and engagement process with communities in and near the future expansion site areas.

Project Nujio’qonik is an exciting development in the world of renewable energy. The project will produce green hydrogen, which is a clean-burning fuel that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It will also create jobs and economic opportunities in the region, helping to support local communities. With Crown land approvals secured, World Energy GH2 is one step closer to making this project a reality and advancing one of the world’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen projects.

Sources and Images:
World Energy GH2 awarded Crown Lands
Project Nujio’qonik
Green Hydrogen