On the heels of the recent announcement of the potential new solar glass plant, Charbone Corporation has announced today that Selkirk will be home to Manitoba’s first green hydrogen production facility. The plant will be powered by renewable energy and will supply and sell green hydrogen throughout Manitoba and beyond.
Selkirk creating clean energy opportunities
It’s the work we’ve been doing for years that’s encouraging this type of investment said Mayor Larry Johannson.
“We’re creating clean energy opportunities which in turn is creating jobs. We’re investing with purpose and building a more resilient and sustainable Selkirk for generations to come”.
Selkirk CAO Duane Nicol says that this is another exciting project and one that yet again puts Selkirk at the forefront of the transition to a decarbonized future.
“Climate Change is the most pressing issue of our time and requires bold and immediate action from all levels of government, citizens and the private sector. In this critical transition – there are great new opportunities. We have been working hard to make Selkirk an attractive place to invest for the economy of the future.”
Selkirk’s Director of Sustainable Economic Development, Tim Feduniw said Charbone’s initiative aligns with Selkirk’s vision for the future as Manitoba’s green energy hub.
“We are excited to work with Charbone and the Province of Manitoba to make this project a reality. We’re seeing that by being clear about our values, making strategic investments into our infrastructure, and by having a team of dedicated economic development professionals to work with potential investors, great things can happen. This isn’t by accident. This is purposeful. In Selkirk, sustainability is a verb,” said Feduniw.
Transforming waste products into valuable resources
Charbone is evaluating some proposed sites within Selkirk including the decommissioned wastewater treatment plant as an option and is continuing to develop its plan for the facility, anticipating production to start in the fourth quarter of 2022.
In addition to locating in Selkirk, the City and Charbone are actively exploring how reclaimed water (or rewater) from Selkirk’s new wastewater treatment plant can be used in the green hydrogen production process.
“When we invested in our new wastewater treatment plant, we knew there would be opportunities to transform these former waste products into valuable input commodities for other processes. We’re hopeful we have that opportunity here,” said Nicol.
“This is how we are building a more circular economy. Reducing waste, reducing GHG emissions, and creating new jobs and economic activity in the process.”
More details about the project can be found in Charbone’s official announcement below.
Free Press, Martin Cash Jan 22
Winnipeg Sun, Dave Baxter Jan 20
CBC Radio Noon, Marjorie Dowhos, Jan 25
