EverWind Fuels is determined to break barriers when it comes to the production of green ammonia. Having already invested more than CAD200 million, the company is well on its way to developing the first green ammonia production facility in Atlantic Canada. CEO Trent Vichie discussed the journey to success, during an in-depth interview with Inside Sustainability. Report by Imogen Ward.
Labeled as North America’s leading independent green hydrogen developer, EverWind Fuels is on a mission to position Canada as a pivotal player in the production of greener fuels.
“We know that the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia are excited to host EverWind’s Point Tupper project, which will bring green jobs and a clean, sustainable future for Nova Scotians,” said CEO
Trent Vichie. “Green hydrogen leadership will help us, and our global partners, develop our green economies and fight climate change.”
Established in 2022, EverWind is experienced in the design, engineering, and development of green energy solutions.
Over the years, it has accomplished an astonishing amount: from gaining one of the first environmental approvals for
a green ammonia plant to developing strategic partnerships with three First Nations communities to build a better, brighter future for all.
Point Tupper
With the goal of establishing a green fuels hub in Atlantic Canada, EverWind set to work developing the first step in achieving this lengthy initiative by introducing the world to the Point Tupper project
Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, will become home to this development, thanks to its deep-water, ice-free berth, rail access, and experienced local workforce.
So far, the project has cost around CAD200 million in private funds and is being completed in two stages. Phase one is already under construction and, once complete, is expected to produce around 240,000 tons of green ammonia per year.
“The first phase includes a little over 600 megawatts of new-build wind and 150 megawatts of solar panels, which the plant converts into ammonia,” explained Mr. Vichie. “For this project, we are repurposing close to CAD1 billion in existing infrastructure and have employed around 120 workers full time to aid the progression of Point Tupper.”
Phase one in its entirety is expected to cost around US$2.5 billion and will pave the way for phase two, which will see the addition of a further 2GW of wind energy – taking annual green ammonia production up to a million tons.
Phase one power
In order to get phase one up and running, EverWind has partnered with the Mi’kmaq community of Membertou and global renewable energy company RES.
The three wind farms planned for development, which are expected to cost around CAD1 billion, will be strategically placed around Nova Scotia. The first, Windy Ridge, will have a 340MW capacity and will house 49 turbines, which will also connect to the Nova Scotian Grid. This will be completed in partnership with Paqtnkek First Nation and Potlotek First Nation.
The second wind farm, Kmtnuk, is being developed in partnership with the
Membertou company Wind Strength and will be capable of producing up to 98MW of wind energy via its 20 turbines. Bear Lake is the third and final wind farm. It is also being constructed in partnership with Wind Strength and is projected to have a maximum capacity of 89MW.
“The development of these farms is very multifaceted,” explained Mr. Vichie. “We have developed partnerships with First Nations; we are working with RES on the development and construction side of the project: and we have created community benefits packages, including a vibrancy fund, for residents within a certain distance of the wind farms, while also contributing to municipal taxation.”
For the largest wind farm, the estimated annual municipal taxation is expected to equal more than CAD3.6 million.
“Through this taxation, we will provide additional budgeting for the communities involved; Colchester County in particular, will see significant increases to its budget,” added Mr. Vichie. “We have also partnered with Nova Scotia Community College to provide more skills-related training, and we are continuously interacting with the local community to make sure our plans align with their vision as well.”
Protecting the environment
Having created near on 200 iterations of the project, EverWind wanted to ensure every step of the process was perfect. With input from various experts, including local environmental consultants, subcontractors, community leaders, and the provincial government, EverWind was able to ensure its installations were as sustainable as possible.
“The power source to make green hydrogen and green ammonia is renewable,” said Mr. Vichie. “That’s obviously an important part of the process, but we have also completed meaningful studies focused on the certification of the energy production process and carried out an assessment of the sites to ensure they are positioned in the safest place possible. “Safety is where it begins and ends, and that not only includes the safety of everyone involved but also of the surrounding environment and local wildlife. Every part of the plant
design has been focused on optimization, we are constructing the wind farms using as many existing roads as we can, and we have collaborated with environmental specialists to create wildlife corridors.”
The company has also made sure to avoid any areas that are crucial for watershed or wetland growth.
So far, EverWind has invested more than 110,000 engineering hours into the FEED stage of the project and anticipates many more hours to come. The next two years in particular are expected to be pivotal in reaching the completion of phase one. And with the recent announcement of the Canadian Federal Government’s investment of up to CAD300 million to support its contribution to the CanadaGermany hydrogen alliance, the future is looking bright.
“Ammonia is essential for life on the planet, and to be a part of the solution to produce
that necessity in a greener, cleaner way is incredibly exciting,” added Mr. Vichie, in conclusion. “The best part is the industry will only get better and more efficient and cost effective from here.
“The very first wind projects to go ahead were incredibly expensive and now, through policy, support, and commitment, it is amongst the cheapest power available.
I can say with absolute certainty that hydrogen will follow suit.” n
