Power-to-gas (P2G) refers to the process of converting electrical energy to a gaseous fuel – in this case hydrogen – through the electrolysis of water.
P2G presents potential opportunities and implications related to the mandate of the IESO. P2G applications may be used to optimize and derive greater benefit from existing electricity system assets. The electricity load associated with P2G projects can be flexible and dynamic – responding to electricity prices or system conditions. P2G applications can also harness clean surplus electricity to produce hydrogen. This hydrogen can then be used as an alternative to fossil fuels for uses that include transportation, heating, power generation, and industrial or chemical processes to displace the use of GHG-emitting energy sources. Some P2G applications can also include generation, using stored hydrogen to supply electricity through fuel cells.
Activities
Through a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI), the IESO will seek to understand and identify different P2G technologies and their potential applications, as well as their associated technical and operational characteristics and potential benefits and challenges from an electricity system perspective. The public will be able to provide feedback on this draft RFEI.
The IESO will also perform market research on P2G, including a review of regulatory requirements.
This engagement initiative will culminate in the identification of options for pilot projects. All interested parties are invited to participate in this engagement initiative.
All comments and enquiries in the engagement initiative can be directed to engagement@ieso.ca.
Related Information
Long Term Energy Plan
Implementation Directives
Documents referenced on this page, but not posted, can be obtained by contacting engagement@ieso.cawith a link to the web page that lists the document and advise whether it needs to be provided in an accessible format. Please allow a minimum of one business day for a response.
Schedule of Activities
Date
Activities
Expected Actions
December 7, 2018
The IESO has placed the Power-to-Gas (Hydrogen) Request for Expression of Interest on hold. The IESO would like to thank all stakeholders that have participated in the early development of the Power-to-Gas initiative and note that any future information regarding the status of the initiative will be communicated on this engagement webpage.
Thank you again for your input to this point.
Q4 2018
Options for pilot projects identified
Q3 2018 (Date TBD)
Final RFEI issued
May 31, 2018
IESO Response to Stakeholder Feedback
May 4, 2018
Feedback due on draft RFEI
Stakeholder Feedback
Hydrogenics
April 12, 2018
Webinar on draft RFEI
Presentation
Power-to-Gas Request for Expression of Interest - Draft