The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) recently powered up a new H₂ research lab (H2LAB)—one of the most advanced of its kind in North America. FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) is supporting the project, helping the university drive innovation and H₂ energy research. FortisBC hopes to understand how H₂ can be blended into its gas supply, allowing this renewable and low-carbon gas to play a role in meeting the energy needs of homes and businesses while supporting B.C.’s climate action plan.

The H2LAB located in UBCO’s Innovation Precinct is a cutting-edge space more than five years in the making. The 2,000 square foot lab was made possible by $2.3 MM in funding by UBC, bolstered by $500,000 in research funding by FortisBC and another $800,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

According to Dr. Will Hughes, director of UBCO’s School of Engineering, the H2LAB is an investment that not only elevates UBCO’s research, educational opportunities for students and innovation capacity, but is a facility that can bring long-term positive impact for industry in the region, the province and beyond.

“The H2Lab is a world-class space for clean energy innovation to occur right here in the Okanagan,” said Dr. Hughes. “That kind of innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it takes collaboration. We are deeply grateful to FortisBC for their support of the research already going on in the lab. We view this lab as a hub for academia and industry to work together to advance low-carbon energy knowledge, testing, techniques and infrastructure.”

As a critical energy provider, FortisBC is leading the way in developing low-carbon energy options like renewable natural gas (RNG), being the first utility in North America to offer a voluntary RNG program 15 years ago. FortisBC continues to invest in innovative solutions, such as H₂, to further reduce carbon emissions and advance climate action.

"Through innovation, FortisBC is taking steps to help reduce emissions while meeting the energy needs of homes and businesses across our province,” said Dawn Mehrer, vice president of corporate services and technology at FortisBC. “Our collaboration with UBCO and their research at the H2Lab is a key part of this journey. Together, we're exploring how H₂ can be integrated safely and effectively into our gas system, and the insights we're gaining will play a vital role in shaping the future of low-carbon energy, including H₂ blending with natural gas to reduce emissions even further."

Today, UBCO and FortisBC representatives toured the lab for the first time since it was in operation. Research was also on display today from Dr. Dimitry Sediako’s colleagues Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff, Dr. Sina Kheirkhah and Dr. Sunny Li who are all furthering H₂ research and innovation with their teams at UBCO.

One of the UBC engineering researchers already at work in the lab is Dr. Sediako, who also heads up UBCO’s High Performance Powertrain Materials lab. Dr. Sediako and his team are currently exploring the effects of H₂ and H₂-enriched natural gas on the existing infrastructure.

“We are so lucky to have FortisBC with us as an industry partner as we work to advance H₂ testing and technology at UBCO,” said Dr. Sediako. “H₂ gas has applications for so many industries and sectors, so being able to test materials and techniques is critically important as we work toward wider adoption.”

Dr. Sediako points out that while many people have heard of H₂ being explored for usage in the energy sector and other industries there are still many misconceptions around its safety and deployment. Among other applications, this lab will work to study possible issues with the hope of one day having H₂ safely and reliably delivered through existing gas infrastructure.

“Today is all about celebrating the collaboration between FortisBC and UBCO—where we are, and where we are going, with H₂ research,” said Dr. Hughes. “We’re proud to showcase this space and let industry and community know that it stands at the ready. Come and work with us. Bring us your challenges and opportunities. Be part of H₂ innovation in the region. Our doors are open.”