Ministers Jean and Sawhney elaborate on hydrogen, SMR tech talks after South Korea trip

“With Alberta’s long history of responsible energy development, we are hopeful about ways to help diversify our economy and create new jobs for Albertans while further reducing our emissions,” says Jean. “I am pleased we were able to meet with Korean companies like POSCO to learn about the exciting opportunities that could exist for Alberta companies to partner with Korean companies on the hydrogen economy.”

POSCO itself manufacturers about three-times as much steel annually as Canada, and is focused on developing low-carbon, hydrogen-based ‘green steel.’

It’s said POSCO expressed willingness to enter into discussions with Alberta research institutes and agencies to utilize Alberta’s hydrogen hub in their long-term plans.

“POSCO research and development is looking for cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen and hydrogen ironmaking (HyREX),” says Kisoo Kim, senior executive vice-president.

“We are open to finding partners to join in the research and development of hydrogen-based steel. POSCO is aware of Alberta’s commitment to hydrogen and is aware of Alberta’s potential as a global producer of hydrogen. POSCO views the hydrogen economy as a future growth engine.”

In 2022, Alberta exported approximately $1.5 billion worth of goods to South Korea, and currently produces about 2.5 million tonnes of hydrogen each year, making it the largest hydrogen producer in Canada.

Hydrogen in Alberta is predominantly used in industrial operations, such as bitumen upgrading, oil refining and petrochemical manufacturing.

Alberta has committed $50 million to the creation of the Clean Hydrogen Centre of Excellence.

Meantime, Sawhey and Jean were also in South Korea to talk the use of small modular reactor tech.

“I am committed to strengthening partnerships to grow Alberta’s international trade and was interested in the potential of Korea’s technologies to supply non-emitting energy,” says Sawhney.

“We have agreed to provide pathfinding services to these Korean agencies as they seek a private sector partner. We are prepared to assist SMR proponents in securing federal government support like the recently announced federal backing for Ontario Power Generation’s SMR project in Ontario.”

The agencies include the Korean Ministry of Science, the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Korean Hydro Nuclear Power (KHNP), Hyundai Engineering and GS Engineering.

According to a Government of Alberta release, Korean government-owned KAERI is looking to transfer its proprietary SMART small modular reactor technologies into Alberta with a view to securing an oilsands partner to deploy SMRs as a non-emitting source of steam for bitumen production.

Korea’s long-standing atomic energy expertise, the province continues, is built on their success with Canadian Candu reactors in the 1970s and their safety systems and processes closely mirror those of Canada. Alberta’s government has agreed to provide pathfinding services to KAERI to speed potential investments.

“We believe SMART deployment in Alberta could serve as a groundbreaking example for global carbon reduction efforts,” says Joo Han Gyu, president, KAERI.

“We appreciate the foresight and leadership of the Government of Alberta towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. KAERI’s latest advancements in SMART technology mean that KAERI is poised to make a meaningful contribution towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Alberta.”

The province adds that these discussions on Korean SMR technologies build on the work begun in August 2022 by former premier Jason Kenney.

Any SMR technology deployed in Alberta must meet Canadian safety requirements.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)/rdnewsNOW

Ministers Jean and Sawhney elaborate on hydrogen, SMR tech talks after South Korea trip

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