A partnership between Fortescue and HTEC was recently formed when the companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership will take effect over a project that has been designed for and dedicated to researching whether creating Canada’s ‘first’ domestic green hydrogen supply chain and export facility would be possible and viable in British Columbia.

The MoU states that Canadian-based HTEC’s role will be to off-take green hydrogen from Fortescue’s site. This will benefit both Fortescue an HTEC, as it will allow Fortescue to continue to build and improve its hydrogen refuelling network. However, as of yet, the companies are not able to provide specific details of how this process will work, as the final arrangements will be defined and decided throughout the negotiation process and will then also have to go through assessments for necessary components such as feasibility, plus formal processes such as final investment decisions (FIDs).

HTEC performing its off-take role and enabling Fortescue to continue developing its hydrogen network is essential work. This is because in December of 2021, Fortescue made an agreement to research and experiment with the creation of green hydrogen projects. This agreement was made with three Indigenous Nations within Canada. Now this MoU has been agreed on at the same time that Fortescue is ready to suggest that a green hydrogen and ammonia production site could be developed in Prince George, Canada.

On the other hand, HTEC has also been busy with its own hydrogen projects, after the company created a partnership in July of 2023 with 7-Eleven Canada. This agreement led HTEC to the opening of its fifth Canadian retail hydrogen refuelling station, based in Kelowna. Alongside this, HTEC has also managed to accomplish its aim of creating a daily two-ton green hydrogen production and liquid transfer site. This facility is located in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Canada Country Manager at Fortescue, Stephen Appleton, commented, “This is a big step towards building Canada’s first domestic green hydrogen supply chain, which will not only help meet ambitious emissions targets, but also generate significant economic activity, jobs and training opportunities.”

President and CEO at HTEC, Colin Armstrong, added, “HTEC is pleased to work with Fortescue Energy to maximise the domestic emissions reduction potential of its proposed BC production facility.” Armstrong also added that, ‘the MoU would support the company’s growing network of hydrogen refuelling stations.’