Canada’s investment in innovative technology is vital to maintaining its leadership in the global energy sector. Ultra-low-carbon energy sources such as hydrogen, wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power are pivotal not only for reducing energy costs but also for seizing economic opportunities nationwide.
Funding for Six Hydrogen Projects
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, revealed a $9.14 million investment in six projects to advance Canada’s clean hydrogen sector. This includes $2.74 million through the Energy Innovation Program:
– University of British Columbia: $1.25 million to develop a pilot plant for low-cost, low-emission hydrogen production using patented pyrolysis technology.
– Enbridge Gas Inc., Ontario: $900,000 for the Markham Virtual Hydrogen Hybrid Demonstration Project to integrate renewable hydrogen from wind and solar assets into Ontario’s power grid.
– Hydrogen in Motion, British Columbia: $590,223 to create low-pressure solid-state storage for clean hydrogen, backed by the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence.
– Ayrton Energy, Alberta: $1.09 million to assess hydrogen storage and transport in conventional tanks, trucks, and pipelines at ambient temperatures, supported by the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence.
Clean Fuels Fund Projects
Additional funding is allocated to initiatives under the Clean Fuels Fund to evaluate the effects of blending hydrogen into existing utility networks. The hydrogen blending study commands an overall investment of up to $6.4 million:
– Enbridge Gas Inc., Ontario: $5 million for a feasibility study on blending hydrogen into the existing gas network.
– Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline Inc., Quebec: $1.4 million to assess the technical feasibility of blending up to 10% hydrogen in their natural gas transmission system.
Government Commitment
The federal government is fostering economic growth and building a clean economy. Today’s investments are intended to accelerate the production, distribution, and use of clean fuels. This aligns with Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy (2020), which aims to position Canada as a global leader in clean hydrogen production by 2050.
Minister Jonathan Wilkinson remarked:
“Canadian businesses have the ambition and drive to offer clean energy solutions and become the top providers in a net-zero world. The progress in the hydrogen sector is particularly promising, showing how hydrogen can create jobs, grow the economy, and ensure a sustainable future.”
