Mr. Balraj Mann reports

FIRST HYDROGEN EXPLORES SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMRS) FOR GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

First Hydrogen Corp. is seeking small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for deployment to Canada and European Union for green hydrogen production. This initiative is expected to enhance First Hydrogen's ability to provide a stable, scalable and cost-effective supply of green hydrogen, supporting global efforts to decarbonize key sectors such as transportation and industry.

SMRs, known for their compact design, modularity and capacity for rapid deployment, are seen as a promising technology for energy production. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, SMRs require a smaller physical footprint, offer faster deployment timelines and provide continuous, weather-independent power, making them well suited to support hydrogen production.

"Integrating SMRs into our clean energy strategy is intended to support the consistent and scalable production of green hydrogen," said Balraj Mann, chief executive officer of First Hydrogen. "We believe this approach aligns with global regulatory and market trends, especially as hydrogen becomes a cornerstone of clean energy policy in both Europe and Canada."

How SMRs can transform hydrogen production

The growing focus on energy security, coupled with decarbonization mandates, has prompted governments and industry leaders to reimagine energy policy. Recognized as a key component of the European Union's clean energy strategy, hydrogen is projected to play a pivotal role in meeting decarbonization targets. First Hydrogen's exploration of SMRs is designed to support these efforts by providing a dependable supply of green hydrogen.

The potential benefits of SMR-driven hydrogen production include:

• Continuous power supply: SMRs operate 24 hours a day/seven days a week, unlike intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar. This stability supports hydrogen production processes that require uninterrupted energy input.
• Cost-efficiency and scalability: SMRs are modular by design, enabling First Hydrogen to adjust production capacity in response to market needs. This approach is intended to reduce capital costs and support gradual, demand-driven expansion.
• Localized deployment: SMRs can be deployed closer to hydrogen refuelling stations, enabling distributed production and reducing hydrogen transportation costs.
• Grid integration: Excess power produced by SMRs can be redirected to local power grids or used to support EV (electric vehicle) charging stations, creating additional revenue streams and supporting clean energy adoption.
• Reduced carbon footprint: SMRs generate zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, enhancing the carbon-reduction benefits of green hydrogen production.

By harnessing SMRs, First Hydrogen aims to create a dual-purpose energy production system that simultaneously addresses the growing need for clean hydrogen and the stability of national power grids.

Demand and energy policy shift

The urgency for energy policy reform has increased as geopolitical disruptions, fossil fuel price volatility and climate imperatives prompt governments to prioritize energy security. Hydrogen has become a central focus of this shift, with the European Commission designating hydrogen as a cornerstone of its clean energy policy. According to publicly available data from the European Commission, the EU aims to produce 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with an additional 10 million tonnes to be imported. This strategy is part of the REPowerEU plan, which calls for accelerated decarbonization to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. SMRs are seen as an enabler of this strategy, providing a steady source of power for green hydrogen production.

In Canada, the country's national hydrogen strategy positions Canada as a potential global leader in hydrogen production. The adoption of SMRs is intended to support this goal, with Canada's Darlington SMR project expected to be operational by 2028. With increasing support from regulators and government agencies, the deployment of SMRs could offer First Hydrogen new opportunities to participate in the decarbonization of North America's transportation and industrial sectors.

"As policy support for hydrogen continues to accelerate in Europe and North America, we see a significant opportunity to establish a scalable, resilient hydrogen production model," added Mr. Mann. "Our approach aims to support long-term policy objectives while reducing energy volatility and improving access to clean, low-cost hydrogen."

Strategic vision for First Hydrogen

First Hydrogen is actively pursuing a comprehensive, vertically integrated green hydrogen strategy. This strategy includes hydrogen production, refuelling infrastructure and hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. The company's proprietary hydrogen-as-a-service (HaaS) model aims to offer end-to-end hydrogen solutions to fleet operators and commercial customers. The company's hydrogen-powered fuel-cell commercial vehicles (FCEVs) have already been tested in the United Kingdom, where over 6,000 kilometres of real-world testing has been completed. The vehicles have demonstrated a range of over 630 kilometres on a single refuelling.

The addition of SMRs is expected to strengthen First Hydrogen's energy strategy, supporting a clean, distributed and cost-effective hydrogen economy.

About First Hydrogen Corp.

First Hydrogen is a company based in Vancouver, Montreal and London (United Kingdom) that is focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution. The company has designed and built two hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered light commercial vehicles (FCEVs). The FCEVs are road-legal in the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) with 6,000 kilometres of testing completed and have achieved a range of over 630 kilometres on a single refuelling. The vehicles have successfully been trialled in real-world conditions with fleet operators in the United Kingdom.

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