ATCO EnPower, along with its partners, is advancing a world-class low-carbon^[1] ammonia production facility in Alberta?s Industrial Heartland, to export hydrogen using ammonia as an energy carrier, to international markets. Our strategic location near Edmonton, Alberta, combined with extensive experience in energy infrastructure, positions us to produce an alternative energy product for key international markets to support global emissions reductions.

Canada offers significant advantages for global trade with Asia, including economic stability, geographic proximity to key markets, deep-water marine export facilities, and ethical industrial practices. Our project location in Alberta enhances this opportunity with access to proven carbon sequestration capabilities, secured carbon storage capacity, abundant natural gas resources, water supply, and existing transportation infrastructure including rail networks to marine port facilities in British Columbia. Leading-edge energy conversion technology and processes further enable ATCO EnPower to develop an ammonia production facility that is both cost-effective and low in carbon emissions.

While electrification is a dependable method for decarbonizing light transportation, hydrogen's higher energy density makes it more appropriate for heavy transport. This is especially true for applications like rail, where long distances and heavy loads demand a robust solution.

ATCO EnPower and CPKC?s Hydrogen Production & Refuelling Stations

As part of its innovative Hydrogen Locomotive Program, CPKC has retrofitted a number of diesel locomotives with hydrogen fuel cells so they can operate without directly generating emissions. ATCO EnPower is providing engineering, procurement and construction services for each of the dedicated, onsite hydrogen locomotive refueling stations, and has been operating these facilities. The completion of these two hydrogen production and refuelling stations represent a significant advancement in the use of hydrogen as a fuel source for commercial transportation. This initiative showcases ATCO EnPower's dedication to fostering a sustainable future by providing innovative energy solutions for clients. Each of the facilities includes a 1-megawatt (MW) electrolyzer, compression, storage, and dispensing systems for locomotive refuelling. In Calgary, the electrolyzer is powered in part by renewable electricity from CPKC's existing 5 MW solar power facility co-located at CPKC's headquarters. The two new facilities serve as a model for future and complementary projects across the country. By harnessing the power of hydrogen, CPKC and ATCO EnPower have created a cleaner, more efficient mode of freight transportation that can serve as a model for the rail industry.

ATCO EnPower has existing development and operational experience in natural gas and natural gas liquids sub-surface storage in salt caverns in the Alberta Industrial Heartland and is leveraging it in its hydrogen storage program. Alberta Heartland Energy Center is currently undergoing a pilot project that showcases the ability to store hydrogen underground in our salt caverns.     

The Atlas Hub is an open-access carbon sequestration project located in Alberta?s Industrial Heartland (AIH). ATCO EnPower and Shell Canada have been selected by the Alberta government for development. The project aims to provide permanent CO₂ sequestration for various industries, including our hydrogen and ammonia production facility. Over 95 percent of the CO₂ emissions produced during hydrogen production would be securely captured and stored. The facility is designed to have a pipeline transportation and sequestration capacity ranging from 6 to 10 million tonnes annually.