Ottawa Government Will Give $1.35M for Alberta’s Hydrogen Production Projects

Ottawa is investing $1.35 million in Alberta to increase hydrogen production and help the province become a global supplier.

Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal announced on Tuesday the funding to upgrade an Edmonton facility where companies can develop and test new hydrogen products and processes.

C-FER Technologies, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Alberta Innovates, the province’s largest research and innovation agency, has received the funding.

Hydrogen production in Alberta is expected to increase significantly by 2030 thanks to the province’s new Hydrogen Roadmap. The plan aims to increase the demand for hydrogen, develop technology, form partnerships, and secure export agreements..

Hydrogen can power cars and heat homes. It is considered “clean” because it produces water vapour rather than carbon dioxide. But it’s often made with fossil fuels. In 2018, nearly half of the world’s hydrogen came from natural gas. Blue hydrogen comes from fossil fuels, while green hydrogen comes from renewable resources like water. Carbon capture and storage can help reduce the harmful effects of fossil fuels used to make hydrogen.

Alberta supplies the majority of Canada’s natural gas and hydrogen, allowing it to take advantage of the rising demand. Hydrogen as a fuel is expected to be worth more than $11 trillion by 2050, according to Ottawa.

Alberta’s economy has been vulnerable to the oil and gas boom and bust cycle, as well as recent low oil prices. Moving to a hydrogen-based economy would increase stability while lowering emissions.

Through the Hydrogen Strategy, Ottawa aims to create 350,000 jobs across the country.

Original source material for this article taken from here