Feasibility study demonstrates Calgary Region’s potential as a major hydrogen hub

Alberta “superbly positioned” to take a leadership role in growing sector

Calgary, AB – The Calgary region has what is needed to establish a major hub for the emerging hydrogen economy, concludes the report Towards A Fuel Hydrogen Economy in the Calgary Region: A Feasibility Study.

The report authored by The Transition Accelerator for the Calgary Region Hydrogen Task Force says Alberta is “superbly positioned” to be a leader in the hydrogen economy. It recommends establishing a hydrogen hub in the Calgary region to build new value chains to produce, transport and use hydrogen as a fuel.

The goal of the study was to assess the potential for the Calgary region to participate and benefit from the emerging fuel hydrogen economy. The study identifies a $4.6 billion per year market potential for fuel hydrogen production that could be used in the Calgary region. It also encourages the development of hydrogen as part of the region’s pathway to a net-zero emission energy system.

The report also recommends a Calgary region hub links with the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub and initiatives in other population centres across Western Canada to create hydrogen corridors that support heavy duty road and rail transport.

Hydrogen is an energy-rich gas that can be produced with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for use in heavy-duty transportation, as well as heat and power generation. It is produced through various methods including, natural gas reformation with carbon capture and storage, or water electrolysis using renewable electricity.

Global market expansion for lower emission energy carriers like hydrogen are critical to meet national net-zero targets by 2050, a priority of the economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy, and Resilient Calgary: Council’s Strategic Direction 2023-2026.

The report concludes that the Calgary region has substantial potential markets for fuel hydrogen as well as the potential to produce and transport low GHG hydrogen to points of demand.

The Task Force members include: Calgary Economic DevelopmentBighorn EnergySpectrumH2Rocky Mountain GTLCanadian Pacific RailwayATCONikola Corporation2G Energy and Calgary Airport Authority.

Task Force members represent all sectors of the value chain (production, transportation and end-use) critical to establishing a viable hydrogen economy. The Feasibility Study is the first of four steps to create a regional hydrogen strategy.

It included eight recommendations:

  1. Build a consortium around a shared vision for a fuel hydrogen future.
  2. Partner with the Edmonton Regional Hydrogen HUB.
  3. Connect with CP Rail, Calgary Transit and Alberta Motor Transport Association to support hydrogen vehicle trials.
  4. Focus on smaller-scale, distributed hydrogen production to serve the fuel market.
  5. Support carbon capture and storage for blue hydrogen production.
  6. Support renewable generation and green hydrogen production.
  7. Deploy hydrogen for heat and power generation.
  8. Engage the academic community.

 

Read the Feasibility Study along with the Hydrogen Strategy for CanadaAlberta Energy Transition Study and Alberta Hydrogen Roadmap.

About Calgary Economic Development
Calgary Economic Development is an opportunity-maker, helping to spark and fuel Calgary’s growth. Our job is to connect people with resources that can help them grow their careers or businesses, thrive in new locations or markets, and feel at home in our community. We offer a wealth of information to help everyone succeed and we tirelessly promote Calgary, in Canada and around the world. We’re exhilarated about our role in shaping and sharing Calgary’s story and we’re proud to be part of the energy. For more information, please visit our website at www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com and follow us on Twitter @calgaryeconomic.

For more information contact:
Sarah Ferguson
Media Coordinator
Cell: 403 880 7040
Email: media@calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com


About The Transition Accelerator

In our rapidly changing world, economic, social and technological changes are affecting sectors and regions across Canada. The Transition Accelerator is a pan-Canadian charity that works with groups across the country to direct these disruptions to solve business and social challenges while building viable transition pathways to a net-zero future. Our current priorities are Canada’s hydrogen economy, electric vehicle market penetration, building decarbonization and electrification, grid integration and industrial policy. For more information, please visit our website at www.transitionaccelerator.ca or email us at info@transitionaccelerator.ca.

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