Ontario government is injecting $4.32 million (CAD 5.9 million) into nine groundbreaking projects. These initiatives, funded by the province’s Hydrogen Innovation Fund, aim to seamlessly integrate hydrogen into Ontario’s electricity grid, bolstering the region’s commitment to a low-carbon future.
Established in February, the Hydrogen Innovation Fund is a key component of Ontario’s low-carbon hydrogen strategy. With a dedicated investment of $11 million (CAD 15 million) over the next three years, the fund is propelling the development and integration of hydrogen into the province’s clean electricity system. The strategy includes exploring opportunities for hydrogen electricity storage, marking a crucial step towards a sustainable energy landscape.
Among the nine projects, Atura Power stands out, receiving $3 million (CAD 4.1 million) for a groundbreaking endeavor. The project involves blending hydrogen with natural gas at the Halton Hills Generating Station (HHGS), heralding it as the largest electricity-based, grid-connected, low-carbon hydrogen blending project in Canada’s history. Notably, the Niagara Hydrogen Center will harness excess water, normally spilled over Niagara Falls, to generate clean electricity, contributing to this ambitious venture.
The remaining eight projects cover a spectrum of innovations. Capital Power, York University, HydroMéga Services in Cochrane, Western University, Volta Energy in Toronto, and The Transition Accelerator in Hamilton are among the recipients of the funding. These initiatives encompass various aspects of hydrogen integration, emphasizing the multifaceted approach Ontario is adopting to diversify its energy sources.
Minister of Energy Todd Smith emphasizes the role of natural gas in ensuring energy reliability during peak demand periods. The investment in hydrogen technologies, like those supported by the Hydrogen Innovation Fund, aligns with the government’s forward-looking strategy to explore new technologies, such as hydrogen, to meet future energy demands sustainably.
The Hydrogen Innovation Fund operates with a mission to test both existing and emerging technologies objectively. The focus is on determining how hydrogen resources can contribute to the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of Ontario’s electricity system. Projects funded by the initiative span three categories: hydrogen production from electricity, electricity generation from hydrogen, and the broader development of the hydrogen economy.
The commitment to a low-carbon hydrogen strategy, exemplified by the Hydrogen Innovation Fund, aligns with Ontario’s broader vision. Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin underscores that by investing in innovative clean energy projects, Ontario is fostering economic growth while securing environmental benefits for future generations.
