As the world transitions toward cleaner energy solutions, Canada is taking decisive action to solidify its leadership in sustainable innovation.
Recognising the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy sources, the federal government is backing projects that drive economic growth while enhancing environmental sustainability.
One such transformative initiative is a significant investment in hydrogen liquefaction technology, which promises to revolutionise the clean energy sector and pave the way for a greener future.
Major investment in hydrogen liquefaction
Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, has announced a significant $49m investment in HTEC through the Strategic Innovation Fund.
This funding will support a $472m project to establish and operate a cutting-edge hydrogen liquefaction facility in North Vancouver.
The facility will be able to capture and liquefy 15 tonnes per day of industrial by-product hydrogen, converting waste into a valuable, clean fuel source.
Anand commented: “Low-carbon hydrogen is key in achieving our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 – and the demand for it is growing across Canada and around the world.
“The HTEC project will seize this important opportunity and provide the trucking sector with the tools and resources it needs to decarbonise.
“This is a milestone to celebrate in the Canadian transportation industry as we move one step closer to building a thriving, sustainable, made-in-Canada clean economy – for generations to come.”
Enabling efficient hydrogen fuel distribution
Hydrogen liquefaction is essential for the cost-effective distribution of low-carbon hydrogen.
The new facility will be pivotal in supplying HTEC’s hydrogen refuelling station network across British Columbia and Alberta.
This initiative forms a key component of HTEC’s broader H2 Gateway programme, which encompasses up to 20 hydrogen refuelling stations, three hydrogen production plants, and a fleet of 100 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks.
The programme has also secured $337m in funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to clean energy.
Aligning with Canada’s hydrogen strategy
The hydrogen liquefaction project is closely aligned with the objectives of Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy, which recognises hydrogen’s potential in decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify.
Hydrogen can be produced from various Canadian feedstocks, including water, clean electricity, and fossil fuels.
However, a significant portion of current hydrogen production comes from methane gas without carbon capture.
By focusing on liquefied hydrogen production, Canada is ensuring a more sustainable and scalable hydrogen economy.
Economic and environmental benefits
The North Vancouver hydrogen liquefaction facility is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for British Columbia, creating and maintaining up to 500 jobs.
Additionally, the project will support co-op hiring initiatives and foster collaborations within the evolving hydrogen ecosystem.
Once operational, this facility will establish Canada’s first full value chain for heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks, paving the way for large-scale zero-emission commercial trucking.
With global demand for clean hydrogen projected to increase tenfold over the next 30 years, Canada is positioning itself as a leader in hydrogen technology and sustainable energy practices.
Colin Armstrong, President and CEO of HTEC, added: “I’m incredibly proud that HTEC is receiving support from the Strategic Innovation Fund.
“This investment validates our vision for a robust, low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem and accelerates the transformation of Canada’s heavy-duty transportation sector.
“Our success is driven by visionary partners who are helping us expand our production and refuelling network, building a clean, resilient economy to benefit all Canadians well into the future.”
A greener future with hydrogen liquefaction
By investing in hydrogen liquefaction infrastructure, Canada is taking a crucial step toward reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable energy landscape.
As hydrogen adoption expands, this project will play a key role in fostering innovation, strengthening the clean energy economy, and ensuring Canada remains at the forefront of the global hydrogen revolution.
