Canada files environmental impact statement for 3GW green ammonia project

Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (EVREC), a joint venture between Abraxas Power and EDF, has filed the environmental impact statement (EIS) for its one million tonnes per annum (tpa) green ammonia project in Newfoundland, Canada.

Expected to include over 3GW of onshore wind capacity, supported by energy storage and associated infrastructure, the project intends to produce 180,000 tonnes of green hydrogen for ammonia synthesis near the port of Botwood for export.

The EIS filing advances the wind-to-ammonia project closer to a final investment decision (FID). EVREC says front-end engineering design (FEED) is already underway, and international offtake negotiations are underway.

According to the company’s website, FID is expected between 2026 and 2030.

Filed in accordance with the province’s environmental department guidelines, the EIS assessed factors including wildlife, land use, and socio-economic considerations across the full project lifecycle.

Dean Comand, CEO of EVREC, said the EIS is a major step reflecting technical works and environmental studies, ensuring the responsible and transparent execution of the project.

The EIS follows an extension of EVREC’s land reserves, which was announced in February, following in the region losing reserves after failing to pay fees.

Canada aims to position itself as a leading exporter of hydrogen and green ammonia, utilising renewable energy resources, policy support, and access to global shipping routes.

In 2022, its government signed a pact with Germany aimed at building trade in green molecules, subsequently launching a joint  that would provide funding to green hydrogen projects selling to Germany.