Buses, trains, trucks, homes and farm machinery all running on zero-emission hydrogen fuel, emitting only water vapour, as part of an entirely new clean energy system?
Such is the blueprint for Edmonton, home to Canada’s first hydrogen hub.
By manufacturing, using and exporting low-carbon hydrogen, the region has become a leader in Canada’s energy transition, creating and sustaining clean energy jobs and locking in a robust future for the economy, whilst tackling the climate crisis.
An alliance of government, Indigenous, economic and academic development leaders have kickstarted the ‘Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB’, unlocking the hydrogen economy and placing the region, Alberta and Canada in pole position for economic growth, as the world transitions to a low-carbon future to address climate change.
The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB will serve as a blueprint for accelerating a strong regional hydrogen economy, that can then be replicated in multiple regions across the country.
As countries around the world identify and invest in hydrogen as a vital low-carbon fuel to reach their net-zero targets, a recent report projected that Canadian hydrogen has a wholesale market potential of up to $100 billion a year. The Edmonton Region was recognised as being best placed to spearhead the pan-Canadian hydrogen economy.
Edmonton has a wealth of experience in hydrogen production, one of the lowest hydrogen production costs in the world, an immense network of pipeline infrastructure, and existing sites for carbon capture, storage and utilisation required to upgrade natural gas into hydrogen for use as a low-carbon fuel. It was also reported that only through the creation and connection of regional hydrogen hubs across the country could sufficient scale be achieved for a strong Canada-wide hydrogen economy.
The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB will serve as a blueprint for accelerating a strong regional hydrogen economy, that can then be replicated in multiple regions across the country.
Support from The Transition Accelerator through investments in hydrogen has enabled planning to get underway for over 25 potential projects related to the supply, delivery and use of low-carbon hydrogen. Projects for which low-carbon hydrogen will be deployed include municipal and commercial vehicle fleets, and home and industrial heat and power.
“Hydrogen has the potential to be not just a key part of the world’s cleaner energy future, but the future of Alberta’s dynamic energy industry. The launch of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB is a critical step towards building that future by establishing the local connections which will pave the way for provincial, national, and international networks in the years to come. The Government of Alberta is proud to be a partner in the development of this first Canadian HUB and we look forward to continuing our partnership with The Transition Accelerator, other levels of government, and industry as the hydrogen economy continues to gather momentum.” said Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, Government of Alberta
“Hydrogen is redefining how we use our natural resources and the Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association is proud to support the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB and its goal of accelerating a strong pan-Canadian hydrogen economy. Enthusiasm for hydrogen may be new to the world, but it’s not new to us. Advanced infrastructure, innovation, a highly skilled workforce, and low-cost feedstock, position our region as a leader in Canada’s hydrogen future. Our team is committed to stewarding this relevant work for our economy and our environment.” said Alanna Hnatiw, Chair, Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB, Chair, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association and Mayor, Sturgeon County.
