A Comprehensive Study on Canada's Green Hydrogen Production Potential Using Biomass and Waste Resources

Abstract

The present study examines the potential of green hydrogen production in Canada using biomass and waste resources. Considered biomass sources include urban waste, animal byproducts, forestry products and residue, crop residue, and purpose-grown energy crops. The calculations and discussion of the potential of each province are conducted to assess the feasibility of a hydrogen economy. Further studies and projections of the annual biomass potential for various regions are also conducted using government data gathered from ministerial sources. The generation of electricity is achieved by employing gasification and incineration systems, which result in the production of hydrogen as the end product. This comprehensive work further provides the hydrogen maps for each province in Canada, focusing on the biomass energy potential by utilizing gasification and incineration methodologies. The results of this study indicate that Canada has the potential to produce around 2.66 Mt per year of green hydrogen by utilizing its existing biomass resources. According to the data, the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Québec exhibit the greatest potential for green hydrogen production with 518.46, 449.33, 447.57, and 428.11 kt, respectively. The expected outcomes of this study are poised to provide valuable insights for policymakers in their use of renewable energy for the purpose of formulating and implementing new policies and initiatives. Additionally, these results are expected to contribute to the resolution of challenges associated with fossil fuel dependency. This may be examined within the framework of the prevailing policies implemented by policymakers to meet the energy demands.