Transforming a coal mine into a pumped hydro storage facility at Tent Mountain
Transforming a former coal mine in Alberta into a renewable energy storage facility capable of powering 400,000 homes for up to 15 hours.
FortisBC partnered with GHD to assess the feasibility and develop a comprehensive blending strategy and roadmap for two groundbreaking hydrogen blending projects in low-pressure natural gas distribution systems.
Decarbonizing residential and commercial heating is a significant challenge in cold climates, driving several utilities to seek alternative technologies that can be implemented in the near term to support emissions reduction targets. FortisBC is targeting at least a 15% blend of low-carbon gases on the gas distribution network in BC by 2030, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen.
FortisBC engaged GHD to conduct a feasibility assessment for two potential hydrogen blending pilot projects. Our scope of work encompassed several critical components:
A notable challenge faced during this project related to data quality and availability, due to the extensive and aged infrastructure. GHD’s Digital team worked closely with FortisBC for the transfer of data and GIS information for the project.
GHD collaborated closely with FortisBC, conducting weekly meetings to prioritize information requests and minimize schedule disruptions. Additionally, the team actively worked with FortisBC to address data access challenges and proactively manage schedule impacts. Although the delivery of the draft report was delayed by two weeks, this extension allowed for the acquisition of valuable information from FortisBC and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) contacted for materials compatibility evaluations. Ultimately, this delay contributed to more robust evaluation outcomes.
The evaluation resulted in the development of a logical, defensible, and risk-averse blending strategy for the two pilot projects. FortisBC was satisfied with the technical feasibility evaluation, the strategy developed, and the implementation roadmaps. The projects will continue to move forward.
Transforming a former coal mine in Alberta into a renewable energy storage facility capable of powering 400,000 homes for up to 15 hours.
GHD served as the Technical Advisor to BC Hydro, British Columbia’s primary electricity utility, in its landmark 2024 Call for Power, the first in over 15 years—an initiative to procure clean and renewable energy through a request for proposals process, requiring a minimum of 25% equity ownership by First Nations.
Driven by a stronger emphasis on net zero greenhouse gas emission targets for Australia’s road sector, CSIRO is exploring the possibilities for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across Australia.