Campbell River could soon emerge as a hub for green energy production, supporting clean technology and powering an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles.

In June, NTE Discovery Park Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding with Squamish-based Quantum Technology Corp to co-develop a green hydrogen production plant in Campbell River. 

Green hydrogen will help ferries, buses, trucks, trains, and cars run with zero CO2 emissions, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Hydrogen can also be blended in small percentages with natural gas to decrease CO2 emissions, said Dr. Calvin Winter, president of Quantum, and John Tang, CEO of New Times Energy Corp Ltd., in a media release. 

"The green hydrogen production plants are intended to produce green hydrogen using renewable electricity," the release stated. "The proposed first pilot phase of the project, with a daily production target of 15 metric tons per day of green hydrogen gas and liquid, is intended to provide mobility fuels for Vancouver Island, Powell River and Vancouver markets." 

The potential second phase will be a full-scale project with expanded capacity, the release added. It will deliver green liquid hydrogen to the Vancouver and Victoria regions for heavy transportation.

Campbell River Mirror reached out for further comment but did not hear back before publication. 

Last February, federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan announced $2,547,500 in funding for Quantum to enhance the production of its green hydrogen technology. 

Quantum has 40 years of experience in manufacturing equipment for purifying and liquefying gases like hydrogen and helium, which is essential for carbon-free energy and a net-zero future in transportation. It claims to be the first Canadian company to manufacture this equipment on a large scale and is a global leader in clean energy initiatives.

NTE and Quantum said they are committed to collaborating with First Nations and other stakeholders to ensure the successful development of the project. 

NTE owns the Discovery Park industrial site in Campbell River, promoting itself as a self-sustaining, net-zero industrial park for the green economy. It offers industrial land, buildings, and warehouses for lease.