Edmonton International Airport is taking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and achieving its net-zero goal by 2040 through a groundbreaking partnership with Toyota Canada.
The initiative involves the introduction of 100 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) on Alberta’s roadways, marking the first fleet of hydrogen-powered zero-emission vehicles in the province. This collaboration not only contributes to YEG’s sustainability objectives but also supports the Edmonton Metro Region’s ambitious plan to have 5,000 hydrogen and hydrogen dual-fuel vehicles on the road by 2028.
By adopting hydrogen-powered vehicles, Edmonton International Airport is at the forefront of Alberta’s clean fuels journey. The partnership with Toyota Canada showcases the airport’s commitment to testing and promoting innovative technologies while fostering international collaboration. This initiative serves as a catalyst for reducing emissions, attracting investment, and accelerating the adoption of hydrogen vehicles in the region.
To ensure the success of the hydrogen vehicle fleet, YEG is actively coordinating efforts with various fleets and fuel suppliers at the Airport City Sustainability Campus. The aim is to create a critical mass of vehicles and establish a reliable supply of hydrogen fuel. This coordinated approach supports the decarbonization of fleets and sets the stage for future hydrogen infrastructure development. The airport has also partnered with Air Products, the world’s largest hydrogen producer, to provide an interim mobile hydrogen refueling station, enabling convenient access to clean hydrogen fuel.
Toyota Canada recognizes the significance of hydrogen as a key technology in reducing carbon emissions. Alongside other emerging technologies like battery electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen is expected to play a pivotal role in Canada’s multi-technology approach to decarbonization. YEG’s fleet of Toyota Mirai FCEVs will contribute to the growth of Alberta’s hydrogen economy and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as an emissions-free transportation fuel.
Edmonton International Airport’s collaboration with Toyota Canada aligns with Canada’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By diversifying the energy portfolio and embracing sustainable technologies, the airport is not only driving economic prosperity but also providing access to clean transportation options for local businesses, residents, and visitors. This partnership positions the Edmonton region as a national leader in the hydrogen sector and demonstrates the viability of hydrogen as a key element in the transition to a sustainable future.
Air Products technology
In addition, the largest hydrogen producer in the world and a pioneer in energy transition initiatives, Air Products announced that Edmonton International Airport had chosen it as the hydrogen and technology provider for Alberta’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicle fleet.
Air Products will set up a mobile hydrogen refueling station at the airport in accordance with the agreement to supply hydrogen for the fleet of Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The airport will start with a fleet of five hydrogen fuel cell cars for usage by its staff and has plans to increase it to as many as 100 cars to operate an airport taxi service. The vehicles’ fueling will start the next week.
Air Products revealed plans to erect Edmonton’s first hydrogen refueling station on a commercial basis earlier this year. The heavy-duty and light-duty vehicle serving multi-modal station will be situated close to the net-zero hydrogen energy complex being built in Edmonton by Air Products.
Two hydrogen filling lanes with dispensers for heavy-duty vehicles including commercial and municipal trucks, as well as Air Products’ own truck fleet, will be available at the new Edmonton station when it opens in 2025. The station will also feature two spots for light-duty hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to refuel. The $1 million (CAD) financing for the hydrogen refueling station comes from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
