Plug Power wins major electrolyzer contract for Hy2gen’s Courant project, advancing large-scale low-carbon ammonium nitrate production in Canada.
Plug Power Inc., a globally recognized provider of integrated hydrogen solutions, has announced that it has secured a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract for a major clean energy project in Canada. Under this agreement, the company will supply a 275 MW GenEco proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system for Hy2gen Canada Inc.’s flagship “Courant” project. This contract marks one of the largest electrolyzer awards in Plug Power’s history, reinforcing its growing influence and technical leadership in the global hydrogen economy.
The Courant project is being developed as one of the largest decarbonized ammonium nitrate production facilities in North America. It is strategically designed to support the mining industry across Québec, Central and Eastern Canada, as well as other regions. By integrating large-scale hydrogen production into chemical manufacturing, the project aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with conventional ammonium nitrate production, which is widely used in mining explosives.
As part of its responsibilities, Plug Power will carry out detailed engineering and design work required for the seamless integration of the electrolyzer system into the facility. This includes optimizing plant configuration, ensuring system efficiency, and enhancing operational performance. The company’s PEM electrolyzer technology has been selected due to its proven reliability, high energy efficiency, and flexibility in operation—key factors for large industrial applications that require consistent hydrogen output under varying conditions.
The hydrogen generated through this system will play a central role in producing low-carbon ammonia. This ammonia will then be further processed into environmentally friendly ammonium nitrate, which will be used primarily in mining operations. The project will utilize electricity sourced from the Hydro-Québec grid, known for its abundant supply of low-carbon hydroelectric power. This clean energy input is critical to ensuring the overall sustainability and low emissions profile of the production process.
The facility will be located in Baie-Comeau, a region that offers several strategic advantages. These include access to reliable hydroelectric resources, well-established industrial infrastructure, efficient logistics networks, and proximity to a deep-water port. Such factors make the location ideal for supporting both domestic distribution and potential export opportunities.
According to Plug Power’s CEO, José Luis Crespo, the selection of the company as the electrolyzer supplier highlights its capability to execute large-scale hydrogen projects and deliver advanced technological solutions. He emphasized that the project reflects increasing global demand for reliable electrolyzer technologies and experienced partners capable of handling complex industrial decarbonization initiatives. Crespo also noted that Plug’s state-of-the-art gigafactory enables it to support projects of this magnitude efficiently.
Similarly, Cyril Dufau-Sansot, CEO of Hy2gen, highlighted that the partnership combines Hy2gen’s expertise in developing large-scale green chemical projects with Plug Power’s advanced electrolyzer technology. He noted that this collaboration will accelerate the production of low-carbon ammonium nitrate, supporting the mining sector’s transition toward more sustainable practices.
The Courant project also builds upon the established partnership between Plug Power and Hy2gen. The two companies have previously collaborated on renewable hydrogen initiatives in Europe and continue to work together on hydrogen supply projects. This ongoing relationship underscores mutual confidence and positions both companies to expand their footprint in the rapidly growing global hydrogen market.
Through this collaboration, both organizations are contributing to the advancement of industrial decarbonization and demonstrating the viability of large-scale hydrogen solutions in transforming traditional industries.
