Fort Saskatchewan Operations Centre - Hydrogen Centre of Excellence

Lead Proponent

ATCO Gas and Pipelines

Project Background

The objective of this project was to develop the Fort Saskatchewan Operating Centre (FSOC), Canada’s first pure hydrogen heated building, which was officially commissioned in the summer of 2024. Nicknamed the “Energy Discovery Centre”, the building is intended to serve as a demonstration site for technologies that utilize pure and natural gas blended hydrogen, and to train operators in the installation, commissioning, use, and maintenance of said technologies. Simply put, the Fort Saskatchewan Operating Centre is a place where industry, academia, government and the public can be brought together to unlock the future of hydrogen in Canada.

Results

This project aimed to:

1. Demonstrate that hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blends are safe and effective for heating buildings in Canada, promoting their adoption.
2. Assist in developing a training framework for operators and utility maintenance staff working with hydrogen-based systems.
3. Offer a platform for clean tech companies and academia to pilot and demonstrate emerging technologies.
4. Enable utility companies to build skills and experience in operating hydrogen-use systems within their workforce.

ATCO’s Fort Saskatchewan Operating Centre represents a first in Canada. With its commissioning, Canada has strengthened its position as a key leader in the global commercial hydrogen market. The project has generated significant interest from all levels of government, industry stakeholders, and academia, underscoring its importance to both Alberta and Canada’s energy future.

Key milestones include:

• Completion of construction in early 2024
• Commissioning of the building with hydrogen in summer 2024
• Full occupancy of the technology bays by late 2024
• Tours for over 500 guests, including industry representatives and delegates representing international governments

ATCO’s Energy Discover Centre, located on the Northeast side of Fort Saskatchewan.

Benefits to Canada

ATCO has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of hydrogen and hydrogen blended-natural gas appliances through testing of the appliances in the building, and its operation using hydrogen heat. The project has also enhanced modern training curriculum, with ATCO departments receiving hands-on experience with hydrogen appliances and operation. Furthermore, the FSOC has provided a place for industry and academia to validate and refine their technologies over the past year.

The adoption of provincial and federal utility legislation will accelerate the integration of these technologies into the energy grid, allowing Canadians to benefit over time.

Next Steps

ATCO will use the data collected from appliance and building operations to leverage the information in support of enabling utility and provincial hydrogen legislation. Appliance developers and innovators will continue to showcase their technologies at the EDC, testing and perfecting their appliances for large-scale, end-use applications. Continued training will also commence at the EDC for our operators working near and on-site.