The Hydrogen Charging and Refueling Infrastructure Initiative (HRRI) for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), which will be funded by the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), has officially begun .
Through facilitating the rapid deployment of large-scale ZEV charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations by the private sector, the initiative hopes to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously stimulating the market for private investment and creating economic opportunities.
Around 22,000 public charging stations and only six hydrogen refueling stations were installed in Canada as of late August, as reported by the CIB. An additional $400 million was allocated to Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVIP) as part of the government of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
A single federal door will provide access to both programs.
Private sector investment in charging and refueling infrastructure is hindered by the lack of clarity regarding the rate and pace of ZEV uptake and, by extension, infrastructure use. The HRRI program aims to alleviate this problem.
Hydrogen may be consumed as a clean alternative fuel in internal combustion engines and is used to power the fuel cells of long-range electric trucks. The Canadian government plans to install 50,000 additional ZEV charging stations and hydrogen fuelling stations around the country in the near future.
