Executive Summary

Hydrogen is globally recognized as a key pathway to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions future by 2050. Canada is well positioned to become a global leader in the transition to hydrogen. Standardizing aspects of hydrogen production from fossil fuels can play an important role in accelerating the implementation of various methods and processes. This objective of this report is to identify gaps and needs for standardization related to the production of hydrogen from fossil fuels. The research conducted for this report comprised a literature review, gap analysis, and interviews with interested and affected parties from industry and regulatory bodies.

The literature review included hydrogen production methods from fossil fuels, relevant standards, codes, and best practices, and applicable federal, provincial, and territorial regulations and commercial project approval requirements for steam methane reforming (SMR), partial oxidation (POX), autothermal reforming (ATR), and in situ coal gasification (ISCG). Pre-commercial methods of chemical looping combustion (CLC), dry methane reforming (DMR), in situ gasification of heavy oil and bitumen, and methane pyrolysis, were also reviewed. In Canada, regulated aspects of hydrogen production are usually based on generic requirements for industrial activities, and hydrogen production-specific standards are mostly used at the discretion of the commercial project proponent or owner. Four provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Nova Scotia) have implemented specific hydrogen production project approval mechanisms.

The gap analysis identified several challenges and opportunities for standardization for hydrogen production from fossil fuels in Canada. The report concludes with the following eight recommendations pertaining to standardization for hydrogen production from fossil fuels:

1. Review standards that address safety and processing of fossil fuels for hydrogen production.
2. Reference existing hydrogen production-specific guidance documents in future commercial project regulatory approvals.
3. Establish process performance benchmarks and evaluation methods for large hydrogen production projects in Canada.
4. Develop a new standard providing safety requirements for large scale hydrogen production facilities.
5. Review CSA B149.3 for potential amendment to include use of hydrogen as fuel gas in fired equipment.
6. Take a single approach to GHG emissions quantification for hydrogen production from fossil fuels.
7. Develop a standard for future gas–solid separation technology in methane pyrolysis.

Develop standard test methods to evaluate process performance for in situ gasification of heavy oil and bitumen.