BC creates consortium to lead hydrogen growth

The BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) said June 9 it would partner with businesses and government organisations to drive the development of a low-carbon hydrogen economy in the province.

The BC Hydrogen Changemakers Consortium – part of CICE’s broader blueprint to attract hydrogen investment, including the creation of a hydrogen hub in Metro Vancouver – will focus on accelerating demand growth in the province for hydrogen and advancing the development of hydrogen hubs. 

“CICE is proud to convene the BC Hydrogen Changemakers Consortium, bringing together industry leaders to help catalyse investment,” CICE deputy executive director Yemi Adefulu said. “This launch sends a strong signal to investors that BC is a pivotal market in the low-carbon hydrogen economy.”

Among current consortium members is BC’s HTEC (Hydrogen Technology and Energy Corporation), which has recently received CICE funding to accelerate the development of hydrogen vehicle fuel supply infrastructure and heavy-duty transportation fleets in the province.

“Hydrogen's potential to help Canada attain its net-zero goal by 2050 is irrefutable,” HTEC founder and CEO Colin Armstrong said. “And decarbonising one of the most difficult-to-abate sectors, heavy-duty transportation, is a critical element needed to meet this goal.”

Other consortium members include gas distributor FortisBC, which is exploring the potential for blending hydrogen into its gas stream, and hydrogen fuel cell pioneer Ballard Power Systems.