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Power Plug Secures Electrolyzer Order from Irving Oil

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Plug Power, a provider of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy, has been awarded a contract to deliver a 5 MW containerized proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser system to international energy company, Irving Oil, for the production and distribution of hydrogen at its Saint John, New Brunswick refinery – the largest in Canada.

Irving Oil will use the electrolyzer to help with its goal of shifting its hydrogen production to low-carbon or green hydrogen in the future – with the investment of the electrolyzer as an important first step on this journey. This supports the company’s commitment to leadership through the energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and developing more sustainable energy solutions.

Initially, Plug’s electrolyzer technology, powered by the local electricity grid, will enable Irving Oil to produce 2 tpd of hydrogen for refining and mobility applications. Plug’s electrolyser systems help customers shift hydrogen production to carbon-free green hydrogen over time.

“Demand for green hydrogen is growing because companies that have relied on other forms of hydrogen are recognising the viability of achieving net zero carbon emission targets,” Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug, said. “Driven by our leading electrolyzer technology and unparalleled manufacturing capacity, we are honored that Irving Oil has chosen Plug to support its initial investment in electrolytic hydrogen production. We look forward to expanding the partnership.”

Irving Oil’s initial investment in a 5 MW unit offers the opportunity to explore the role of electrolyzer technology in driving emissions reductions at the Saint John refinery while also unlocking important new market opportunities, such as making hydrogen available for regional customers.

“We believe that low-carbon hydrogen production, use, and distribution will play an important role in our decarbonization journey,” said Irving Oil president, Ian Whitcomb. “This foundational project will accelerate our company’s learning about hydrogen as a downstream product while creating a decarbonisation pathway for our Saint John refinery.”

Plug’s 5 MW containerised electrolyser system for the refinery will be manufactured at Plug’s Gigafactory in Rochester, New York, US – the world’s first and largest PEM fuel cell and electrolyser manufacturing Gigafactory. Following manufacturing, deployment of the technology at the oil refinery is expected in Q3, 2023, and hydrogen production is expected to be fully operational by late 2023.

For more information visit www.irvingoil.com