Plug Power supplying 5 MW H2 Electrolyzer to Irving Oil for New Brunswick refinery

Plug Power has won the contract for a 5 MW containerized proton exchange membrane electrolyzer system from Irving Oil to produce and distribute hydrogen at its Saint John, New Brunswick refinery in Canada.

The electrolyzer will be used to transition hydrogen production to green hydrogen. The electrolyzer technology will enable the firm to produce 2 tons of hydrogen a day for refining and mobility applications.

“Demand for green hydrogen is growing because companies that have relied on other forms of hydrogen are recognizing the viability of achieving net-zero carbon emission targets,” Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug, said. “Driven by our leading electrolyzer technology and unparalleled manufacturing capacity, we are honored that Irving Oil has chosen Plug to support its initial investment in electrolytic hydrogen production. We look forward to expanding the partnership.”

This initial investment will provide Irving Oil the opportunity to explore the role of electrolyzer technology in reducing emissions at the Saint John refinery and unlocking new market opportunities, like ensuring hydrogen availability for regional customers.

“We believe that low-carbon hydrogen production, use, and distribution will play an important role in our decarbonization journey,” said Irving Oil President Ian Whitcomb. “This foundational project will accelerate our company’s learning about hydrogen as a downstream product while creating a decarbonization pathway for our Saint John refinery.”

The 5 MW system will be manufactured at Plug Power’s Rochester Gigafactory. The deployment of this system is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2023 and hydrogen production is expected to be fully operation in late 2023. 

Irving Oil's Saint John refinery turns oil into gasoline, distillate, diesel, jet fuel, propane and asphalt.It produces more than 330,000 barrels of refined products per day, according to reports.