The Government of Alberta is taking significant strides to advance its hydrogen economy, reduce emissions, and foster job creation through a substantial investment of CA$57 million ($41.68 million).
This funding, facilitated by Alberta Innovates and Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), aims to propel Alberta to the forefront of the hydrogen sector.
The funding allocation comprises two main components: CA$22.5 million ($16.4 million) for 20 early-stage projects through the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, and an additional CA$34.5 million ($25.2 million) for 8 late-stage projects via the Accelerating Hydrogen Challenge. These projects encompass various stages of development, from conception to implementation, with a focus on driving innovation and scalability in Alberta’s hydrogen landscape.
With over 90 applicants vying for funding, a rigorous and transparent review process was undertaken to select the most promising projects. Expert panels, spanning multiple disciplines such as engineering, science, and business development, meticulously evaluated each proposal to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and feasibility for implementation.
Applicants granted funding through Alberta Innovates projects are allotted 24 months to complete their work, while those under ERA funding have 36 months. This timeframe underscores the government’s commitment to driving tangible outcomes and advancing the hydrogen economy within a defined timeline.
The selected projects encompass a diverse range of initiatives essential for fostering a thriving hydrogen economy. These include hydrogen production, storage, transportation, distribution, and utilization. By addressing key aspects of the hydrogen value chain, Alberta aims to establish a robust ecosystem capable of supporting widespread adoption and utilization of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
