The North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project
North Atlantic is taking big steps toward a cleaner, sustainable, and economically prosperous future with the Green Energy Hub. The first step towards this goal is the North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project.
Project Overview
North Atlantic is proposing to develop a renewable energy project in the Placentia Bay and Trinity Bay regions on the Island of Newfoundland. The North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project will include the installation of an onshore wind farm to power the production of green hydrogen for export to global markets.
Through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s wind energy process, North Atlantic was awarded 10,300 hectares (Ha) in total of Crown Lands around the Avalon Isthmus. The initial North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project is proposed to be developed on 4,600 Ha in the Sunnyside Area, with Crown Land reserved for future projects.
Project Components
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A 320MW wind farm east of Sunnyside.
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A Hydrogen Generation Plant with the capacity to produce 30,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.
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A Hydrogenation Plant with capacity to convert up to 60,000 tonnes of green hydrogen to a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) for export, half of which is for the North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project, with the remaining capacity reserved for future expansion.
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A 138 kV transmission line and associated electrical infrastructure to connect the wind farm to the Hydrogen Generation Plant.
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The use of the existing Come by Chance jetty and four storage tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project
The North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project is a renewable energy project in the Placentia Bay and Trinity Bay regions on the Island of Newfoundland. The North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project will include the installation of an onshore wind farm to power the production of green hydrogen for export to global markets.
Located on the isthmus of Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula, this full-service renewable energy Hub will provide a centralized location for the manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance services necessary to support the region’s evolving wind industry.
The Hub will leverage North Atlantic’s existing infrastructure and use some of the best onshore wind resources in the country to produce and then transport low-cost green hydrogen to global markets.
The North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project is the first Project planned for construction within the Hub.
As North Atlantic advances its business for the future, the company is focused on strategic growth to deliver innovative and green energy solutions aligned with global demand for renewable energy. North Atlantic is aiming to:
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Produce green hydrogen projects which could lead to substantial CO2 reductions.
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Support new skills and new jobs for the ever-evolving landscape of green energy in NL.
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Provide a significant economic boost to local communities and the province.
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Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen fuel produced through a process called electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. What makes it "green" is that the electricity used in this process comes entirely from renewable energy sources, such as wind.
Green hydrogen is considered a clean energy source because its production does not generate greenhouse gases, and when it is used as a fuel, it emits only water vapor, making it a promising solution for decarbonizing sectors like transportation, heavy industry, and energy storage.
Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) is a chemical compound that can both absorb and release hydrogen through hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. It is a safe and efficient medium for storing and transporting hydrogen, addressing some of the challenges associated with hydrogen’s storage and handling, such as its low density and high flammability. LOHCs are stable and handled like conventional gasoline, making them safer and more practical for large-scale applications.
Hydrogen is a versatile element with a wide range of applications across many industries. Hydrogen provides a clean substitute for fossil fuels in industrial processes that require high temperatures, for example, in steelmaking and cement production. It is also playing a vital role in advancing zero-emission transportation technologies. Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) use hydrogen to power cars, buses, trucks, and trains, emitting only water vapor. It is particularly well-suited for heavy-duty transport, including long-haul trucking, shipping, and aviation, due to its high energy density and potential for large-scale applications.
Hydrogen’s versatility and ability to integrate with current energy systems make it essential for decarbonizing sectors that are otherwise difficult to electrify, enabling a smoother and more comprehensive green energy transition.
Environmental Assessment Process
North Atlantic is currently in the Pre-Registration Phase of the Environmental Assessment process. Field work for baseline studies is ongoing and will continue throughout the winter and spring. This phase includes work to establish a baseline for the natural environment, including water, land, animals, plants, air, as well as the socio-economic status in the region. The North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project will be the first Project in the Green Energy Hub to file for an Environmental Assessment.
Baseline studies for the Environmental Assessment Registration include:
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Ecological Land Classification
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Air Quality
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Noise
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Rare Plants
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Species at Risk
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Breeding Birds
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Spring Migratory Birds
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Fall Migratory Birds
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Winter Birds
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Bat Detector Surveys and Analysis
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Boreal/Blue/Graceful Felt Lichens
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Wetland
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Hydrology
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Water Quality Sampling
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Marine Environment Assessment
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Fish and Fish Habitat Assessment
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Community Engagement
North Atlantic began early consultation with leadership from the local towns, unions, and Chamber of Commerce in 2023. Now, during the Pre-Registration Phase, we will be welcoming residents and the public to visit us at our community office at the Bull Arm entrance building off the Trans-Canada Highway. We also plan to host multiple Public Information Sessions to present the Project to the community and gather feedback for incorporation into Project planning.
We have developed the North Atlantic Wind to Hydrogen Project webpage to communicate Project information, office hours, and event notices. The webpage, as well as our social media channels, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formally known as Twitter), will be updated regularly. A Project email address, greenenergy@northatlantic.ca, is available to submit questions, comments, or input on the Project.
The two Indigenous groups on the island portion of the province, Qalipu and Miawpukek, have been contacted directly for early conversations, and our outreach and updates will continue throughout the life of the Project.
The public can provide feedback by:
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Emailing greenenergy@northatlantic.ca
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Visiting our office during posted hours
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Attending Public Information Sessions
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Submitting information during the public feedback period once the Environmental Assessment Registration has been submitted
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Upcoming Events
Community Office
Bull Arm Information Centre
December 3 • 1pm – 5pm
December 4 • 1pm – 5pm and 7pm – 9pm
December 5 • 9am – 12pm
December 17 • 1pm – 5pm
December 18 • 1pm – 5pm and 7pm – 9pm
December 19 • 9am – 12pm
Upcoming Events
Community Office
Bull Arm Information Centre
December 3 • 1:00pm – 5:00pm
December 4 • 1:00pm – 5:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm
December 5 • 9:00am – 12:00pm
December 17 • 1:00pm – 5:00pm
December 18 • 1:00pm – 5:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm
December 19 • 9:00am – 12:00pm