Utilization of hydro sources in Canada for green hydrogen fuel production

Abstract

The present study comprehensively examines the application of hydro, wave, tidal, undersea current and geothermal energy sources of Canada for green hydrogen fuel production. The estimated potential capacity of each province is derived from official data and acceptable assumptions and is subject to discussion and evaluation in the context of a viable hydrogen economy. According to the findings, the potential for green hydrogen generation in Canada is projected to be 48.86 megatons. The economic value of the produced green hydrogen results in an equivalent of 21.30 billion US$. The top three provinces with the highest green hydrogen production potential using hydro resources, including hydro, wave, tidal, undersea current and geothermal, are Alberta, Quebec, and British Columbia with 26.13 Mt, 7.34 Mt, and 4.39 Mt, respectively. Quebec is ranked first by only considering the marine sources, including 4.14 Mt with hydro, 1.46 Mt with wave, 0.27 Mt underwater current, and 1.45 Mt with tidal, respectively. Alberta is listed as the province with the highest capacity for hydrogen production from geothermal energy, amounting up to 26.09 Mt. The primary objective is to provide comprehensive hydrogen maps for each province in Canada, which will be based on the identified renewable energy potential and the utilization of electrolysers. This may further be examined within the framework of the prevailing policies implemented by local communities and officials in order to develop a sustainable energy plan for the nation.