Fueling the Future: Canada’s Role in the Rapidly Expanding Hydrogen Economy
The search for alternatives to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy has placed hydrogen on the radar in various regions of the globe and within the business sector. As a result, the hydrogen economy is growing fast globally, with advancements in technology, policy, and investment. A main player leading the nascent hydrogen economy is Canada.
Building on the launch of its Innovate the Sustainable Future Call-to-Action, the GFCC has been convening with its community to share experiences, best practices, and insights on how to advance the implementation of concrete initiatives to advance the sustainable economy. In that context, we recently hosted an expert session on the hydrogen economy with presenters from the US, Canada, the UK, Malaysia, and Brazil.
The session featured insights from Justin Riemer, CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), and Lori Schmidt, GFCC Distinguished Fellow. Canada’s National Hydrogen Strategy and Alberta’s pioneering initiatives offer a comprehensive view of the country’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Below are key takeaways from this enlightening discussion.
Canada’s Strategic Initiatives
Canada is poised to become a global leader in the hydrogen economy, leveraging its abundant natural resources and technological expertise. The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada envisions a clean, affordable, and inclusive energy future, emphasizing hydrogen production and utilization scaling up across various sectors. The strategy focuses on scaling up production and use across various sectors, including transportation, industry, and heating, and prioritizes collaboration amongst different provinces and abroad.
Provincial Collaboration
Provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta actively contribute to Canada’s hydrogen roadmap. British Columbia’s and Quebec’s investment in green hydrogen production, and Alberta’s ability to make blue hydrogen showcase a diversified approach toward harnessing hydrogen’s potential for carbon emissions reduction and economic growth.
Global Collaborations
Canada’s participation in international hydrogen collaborations underscores its commitment to driving global efforts towards a net-zero future. Engagements with initiatives like the Mission Innovation Hydrogen Challenge and partnerships with the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance demonstrate Canada’s leadership in fostering global cooperation for clean energy solutions.
Alberta’s Leadership
Alberta is a frontrunner in hydrogen energy initiatives, backed by strategic investments, a conducive regulatory environment, and a unique geological advantage. Alberta has abundant cap rock at a depth that facilitates effective capture of CO2 for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) plays a pivotal role in championing projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster innovation in hydrogen technologies, and promote CCUS.
Technological Advancements
ERA’s investments in late-stage technology demonstrations pave the way for developing and deploying clean hydrogen solutions. Projects like Canada’s first net-zero hydrogen production facility, refueling stations, hydrogen-powered locomotives, buses and fuel-cell hydrogen trucks exemplify Alberta’s commitment to driving innovation and decarbonization efforts.
Challenges and Opportunities
While hydrogen presents vast opportunities for decarbonizing energy systems, it also poses challenges, such as high costs and infrastructure requirements. Alberta’s focus on utilizing hydrogen for making end products like net-zero petrochemicals reinforces the importance of leveraging hydrogen in economically viable applications.
Future Outlook
As Canada transitions towards a hydrogen-based economy, collaborative efforts between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners will play a crucial role. Investments in research, technology development, and infrastructure are essential for realizing the full potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution.
Canada’s commitment to the hydrogen economy reflects a forward-thinking approach towards addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development. With proactive strategies, innovative initiatives, and global collaborations, Canada is poised to lead toward a greener and more prosperous future powered by hydrogen. The Alberta case can be used as an early example of how to implement a hydrogen economy and inspire other nations to follow their lead.
The GFCC will continue to explore the emerging field of the hydrogen economy as part of its Innovate a Sustainable Future initiative.
Lori Schmidt (EC DEV, MBC), Loral Management Group (LMG), focuses on supporting leaders and organizations through executive and organizational competitiveness advisory, facilitation, and coaching services. She is a GFCC Distinguished Fellow.
Justin Riemer is the Chief Executive Officer of Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) and leads the team dedicated to advancing innovations that reduce Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions and diversify its economy.
