A landmark clean-energy project advances at the Kruger Kamloops Pulp Mill, where an Indigenous-led partnership plans to build one of British Columbia’s first industrial-scale green hydrogen plants.
The 10-megawatt Kamloops Clean Energy Centre (KCEC), led by Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development with partners Elemental Clean Fuels and Kruger Kamloops Pulp L.P., integrates directly on-site. It will produce up to four tonnes of hydrogen daily—slashing the mill’s natural gas use by 16% and reducing 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually—while generating 32 tonnes of oxygen for reuse in a circular-economy loop.
For Kruger Kamloops, the initiative signals a bold shift to cleaner, more efficient operations in a hard-to-decarbonize sector.
“By integrating green hydrogen into our operations, we will be reducing emissions, supporting a circular economy, and contributing to British Columbia’s clean-energy targets,” said Irene Preto, General Manager of the Kruger Kamloops Pulp Mill.
Indigenous leadership drives the project. Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development frames it as both an economic opportunity and a catalyst for clean-energy innovation.
“This project reflects our commitment to sustainability and economic self-determination,” said Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.
The $21.7-million project has entered its Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase, backed by Natural Resources Canada, BC Hydro, and provincial clean-energy regulations, as discussions with FortisBC on a hydrogen offtake agreement continue toward a 2026 investment decision.
Founded in 1904, Kruger Inc, the group operates across several sectors, including pulp and paper, packaging board, tissue products, renewable energy and recycling. Kruger employs more than 6,000 people in Canada and the United States and operates 19 manufacturing facilities and 47 renewable power plants. Known for its vertical integration and strong culture of innovation, the company focuses on low-carbon solutions and long-term value creation for the communities where it operates.
Source: https://scwenwen.ca/kcec/
