Hazer Group Ltd (Hazer) has provided an update on the advancement of its collaboration with FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) to progress a clean hydrogen project in British Columbia, Canada.
Following pilot scale reactor validation, project development work continues on the 2500 tpy commercial facility. The parties have now engaged Hazer’s global alliance partner, Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR), to fast-track the project, leveraging its engineering and project execution capability.
KBR’s detailed understanding of Hazer process and facilities will enable FortisBC to expedite site-specific development engineering, refine project economics and assess economies of scale for an optimal development. In parallel, the parties are finalising the commercial framework for the next phase of the project development.
KBR has a track record in delivering cost-effective, large scale projects drawing on decades of experience in scaling and advancing new technologies. Its involvement positions Hazer to accelerate the development and deployment of its first commercial scale facility in North America.
Hazer expects to provide a further, more material update on the Canada/FortisBC development pathway in the coming months as project activities progress.
Glenn Corrie, CEO and MD of Hazer, said: “We have had extensive discussions with FortisBC to identify ways to accelerate this important project, and we are very pleased to bring KBR and their world-class project management capability on board. Technical and commercial progress has been strong and with KBR now driving the next phase, the project is advancing on a firm footing.
“In parallel, we are seeing a growing level of engagement across North America. My upcoming visit to North America is focused on progressing a number of near-term opportunities that are advancing through active discussions. We have multiple opportunities progressing across our pipeline and look forward to updating the market as these discussions mature and milestones are achieved.”
Canada project development framework
As previously announced, Hazer and FortisBC entered into a binding project development agreement (PDA) to pursue development of a hydrogen production facility in British Columbia, Canada, based on the Hazer Process. The proposed facility contemplates a design capacity of up to 2500 tpy of clean hydrogen and approximately 9500 tpy of graphite.
Under the PDA, FortisBC holds 100% equity ownership and acts as project developer and operator, with Hazer licensing its technology and providing engineering services for the core process components. As previously disclosed, Hazer continues to receive engineering services revenue from the Canada Project in accordance with the PDA.
The structure aligns with Hazer’s capital-light licensing model, with no capital expenditure obligations for the company. The project has also previously secured funding support through the CleanBC Industry Fund, reflecting provincial government backing for low-emissions hydrogen development in British Columbia.