Kruger Mill Goes Green: Hydrogen Replaces Gas

A significant step towards decarbonization is underway at the Kruger Pulp Mill in Kamloops, British Columbia, with the upcoming construction of a $21 million green hydrogen production facility. This ambitious project, dubbed the Kamloops Clean Energy Centre, is a collaborative effort involving the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Nation, Elemental Clean Fuels, and Kruger Kamloops Pulp. Its primary goal is to reduce the mill's reliance on natural gas by integrating green hydrogen into its manufacturing processes, particularly in the energy-intensive lime kiln.

The facility will employ electrolysis, a method that uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity needed for this process will be generated on-site through biomass cogeneration, where wood byproducts are burned to create steam and subsequently electricity. The oxygen produced as a byproduct will be used to strengthen the mill's pulp products. This innovative approach ensures that the hydrogen produced is truly 'green,' as the electricity source is renewable.

This initiative is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 1,200 to 1,500 vehicles from the road. Funding for the project has been secured through Natural Resources Canada's Indigenous clean energy fund, highlighting its alignment with national sustainability goals. Construction is anticipated to begin after a final investment decision expected in 2026.