Hydrogenics to Supply HyStat to Community Scheme

Hydrogenics has been selected by Powertech Labs, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BC Hydro, to provide an
electrolyser for a community hydro-hydrogen-diesel system serving the community of Bella Coola, British Columbia. By adding zero-emission hydrogen generation, storage and power generation, the Bella Coola project expects an increase in the proportion of electricity derived from their run-of-the-river hydro-electric power generation system. This increased penetration of renewable resources will lead to a decreased dependence on diesel fuel. Hydrogenics anticipates it will deliver the HySTAT onsite generation electrolyser to Powertech Labs within nine months.
 
Like many communities around the globe, Bella Coola is isolated from the main electrical grid. It is dependent on its run-of-the-river hydro-electric station to generate electric power for the community. Harnessing the power of available
renewable resources is an ideal approach for communities like Bella Coola, however, power generation is limited by the river's inherent fluctuation. During periods of low river flow, the community is dependent on diesel generators to provide power. Introducing hydrogen technologies allows energy to be stored and redeployed to supply a greater percentage of the community's power requirements. Reducing the dependence on diesel fuel, reduces costs, while providing a clean environmentally friendly power system. Funding for the project comes from BC Hydro, Sustainable Technology Development Canada, and GE Canada.

Source: Fuel Cell Today