As the world moves to clean energy, investing in clean technologies will help ensure Canada remains a global energy leader. Ultra-low carbon sources of energy such as H₂, wind, solar, hydro and nuclear power are key to driving down energy costs for Canadians and to seizing the enormous economic opportunities that are available in all regions of the country.

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a $9.14-MM investment for six projects to support innovation in Canada’s clean H₂ sector. Of this funding, $2.74 MM was allocated through the Energy Innovation Program, including:

• $1.25 MM to the University of British Columbia to develop a pilot plant of its patented pyrolysis technology for low-cost, low-emission H₂
• $900,000 to Enbridge Gas Inc. in Ontario for the Markham Virtual H₂ Hybrid Demonstration Project, which aims to demonstrate the use of existing wind and solar assets within Ontario’s power grid to produce renewable H₂ and reduce power supply intermittency.
• $590,223 to H₂ in Motion in British Columbia to generate clean H₂ with low-pressure solid-state storage, distribution and transport. This project is supported by the H₂ Centre of Excellence, a strategic initiative led by Alberta Innovates.
• $1.09 MM to Ayrton Energy in Alberta to assess the feasibility of safe, efficient and cost-effective storage and transportation of H₂ in conventional tanks, trucks and pipelines at ambient temperature and pressure. This project is also supported by the H₂ Centre of Excellence.

Funding is also allocated to Clean Fuels Fund projects to advance knowledge of the impacts of blending H₂ into our existing utility networks. The H₂ blending study represents an overall investment of up to $6.4 MM, including:

• $5 MM to Enbridge Gas Inc. in Ontario to conduct a System-Wide H₂ Blending Study to determine blended H₂ gas’s feasibility and maximum limits in the Ontario utility’s existing network.
• $1.4 MM to Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline Inc. in Quebec for a study to assess the technical feasibility of blending up to 10% H₂ segments of their existing natural gas transmission system.

This federal government is fostering economic growth and building Canada’s clean economy. In doing so, we are investing in projects like the ones announced today to accelerate the production, distribution and use of clean fuels, including clean H₂. These advancements are guided by Canada’s H₂ Strategy (2020), which is positioning Canada as a global supplier and producer of clean H₂ on our path to net zero by 2050.

“Canadian businesses have the ambition and drive to provide clean energy solutions and become the supplier of choice in a net-zero world. This is especially true when we see the progress being made throughout the H₂ value chain and across the regions to advance Canada’s growing H₂ sector. Investments like the ones announced today are a great example of what the H₂ opportunity can do for Canadians, helping create jobs, grow the economy and contribute to a sustainable future,” said The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“By working with partners and industry, we can ensure that Canada remains a global supplier of choice for clean energy, ensuring a prosperous future for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. UBC's project to develop a pilot plant for low-cost, low-emission H₂ production marks it as a key player in the clean technology ecosystem in Canada. This federal government is pleased to support investment in local energy leaders who are carving the path to a net-zero future," said The Honourable Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra.