The hydrogen pipeline project in the city's east end raises considerable controversy

Mélissa Gélinas

Residents of Buckingham and Masson-Angers are concerned about the hydrogen (H2) pipeline project by Enbridge Gaz Québec and Evolugen, which is currently in the engineering phase. This unique project, scheduled for 2026, has drawn the attention of the Buckingham Residents Association for its lack of transparency and for having undergone no official public consultation.

This project involves, first and foremost, capturing and transporting 100% pure hydrogen at high pressure (3,500 kPa). To achieve this, the construction of a plant is planned to produce hydrogen through water electrolysis. This will, in turn, produce nearly 20 megawatts of green energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the pipeline route will run for nearly 20 km, passing through several residential areas and sensitive locations (schools, seniors' residences, daycares, gas stations, and more). "There are also three areas along the route that are susceptible to landslides, in addition to a route used by 7,000 trucks transporting flammable materials," explained Véronique Santos, administrator of the Buckingham Residents Association.

Furthermore, hydrogen is highly flammable and reactive. "In the event of a leak incident, or explosion, those locations within the impact radius will be directly affected," Santos stated.

Although this project is primarily a renewable energy initiative, it should not be in a residential area, according to Ms. Santos. "We are not opposed to this project or the energy transition, but rather we are questioning the chosen route for this pipeline," she said. According to her, the project is not comparable to those located in Markham or Varennes, which are being built in industrial zones.

Buckingham District Councillor Edmond Leclerc shares the same opinion. "The Enbridge hydrogen pipeline is, at first glance, a very good project, but it is, above all, a project that must pass the social acceptability test, and currently, it is failing," he said.

According to Leclerc, the problem lies primarily in the reasons for the route chosen and the risks it entails. Therefore, to respect the will of citizens, the municipal council wishes to adopt a resolution requesting that the Quebec government submit it to a study by the Bureau des audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE). "We have well-informed citizens who are questioning this project and who deserve to receive all the information and to be heard," he commented. "This project must be able to move on to the next stages and it must be done in a transparent manner."