Edmonton International Airport (YEG) has unveiled the first-ever fleet of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Western Canada’s Alberta province.
President & CEO Myron Keehn, in collaboration with Toyota Canada, introduced the innovative Toyota Mirai, marking a significant leap towards integrating green hydrogen into the region’s transportation sector.
The primary goal of this initiative is to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell technology. With an impressive range of up to 647km and a rapid refueling time of around five minutes, the Mirai vehicles showcase the viability of hydrogen-powered solutions for long-distance travel. YEG aims to foster fuel switching, decrease emissions, and achieve its ambitious target of becoming a net-zero airport by 2040.
The Mirai vehicles utilize revolutionary fuel cell technology, converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity with water as the sole emission. YEG, boasting vast prairie landscapes, positions itself as a strategic player in hydrogen production, leveraging abundant resources, energy infrastructure, and carbon capture potential. Collaborating with the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB, YEG is working to establish hydrogen hubs and infrastructure, driving Alberta’s emergence as a key player in the hydrogen economy.
By incorporating hydrogen-powered vehicles into its operations and ecosystem, YEG aims to lead the way in decarbonizing the aviation sector. The introduction of 100 Mirai vehicles into the fleet over the next year, for use in airport operations and by ecosystem partners, is a tangible step towards reducing carbon footprint and promoting hydrogen adoption in Western Canada.
Alberta’s natural advantages in hydrogen production position YEG to access some of the world’s cheapest hydrogen products. With mature infrastructure, abundant resources, and expertise in clean energy production, the province stands as a game-changer in the global aviation sector. YEG’s commitment to innovation and collaboration sets the stage for unlocking opportunities to decarbonize traditionally challenging sectors.
