Canada invests nearly C$10mn in Alberta hydrogen

The federal government in Canada said January 17 it would invest C$9.74mn (US$7.3mn) into Alberta’s growing hydrogen sector, supporting improved access to hydrogen fuels and attracting international investment in the sector.

The funding will be provided by Ottawa’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program and administered by PrairiesCan, which makes targeted investments to support businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete in global markets.

Edmonton Global, a foreign direct investment and international business development hub representing 14 municipalities in and around Alberta’s capital city, will receive C$3.74mn, most of which will be used to increase the scale and scope of foreign investment targeting the hydrogen sector.

The funding will enable Edmonton Global to host international events, including the 2023 Canadian Hydrogen Convention in April, expand international promotion of the Edmonton region and develop new tools and materials for potential investors. Another C$744,000 will enable Edmonton Global to develop the region’s hydrogen supply chain and labour market.

The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) and the University of Alberta will receive C$3mn to increase access to hydrogen fuel by the province’s heavy vehicle sector and support product testing of hydrogen-fueled heavy vehicles. AMTA is part of a consortium developing a corridor between Edmonton and Calgary that will support heavy transportation fueled by hydrogen.

Finally, Edmonton’s C-FER Technologies will receive C$3mn to upgrade its testing facility for hydrogen fuel infrastructure, equipment and technologies. C-FER’s testing capabilities are a key component of Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, a C$50mn initiative to accelerate the development of Alberta’s hydrogen sector.