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Media Release – Edmonton Global receives federal funding to support growth of Edmonton Region’s economy

Hydrogen
January 17, 2023

Funding of more than $3.7 million through PrairiesCan will better equip Edmonton Global to attract investment, position the Edmonton Region to be a leader in the rapidly growing hydrogen industry, and spur economic growth

 January 17, 2023 – (Edmonton Metropolitan Region)

Today, Minister Vandal announced Edmonton Global is receiving a total of $3,744,000 for two projects to strengthen the Regional hydrogen supply chain and expand investment initiatives to grow the Edmonton Region economy.

  • An investment of $3 million over three years will help increase the scale and scope of foreign direct investment initiatives that target specific subsectors such as hydrogen. Funding enables Edmonton Global to host international events, including the 2023 Canadian Hydrogen Convention; expand international promotion of the Edmonton Region; and develop new information tools and materials for potential investors.
  • In addition, $744,000 will enable Edmonton Global to develop the Edmonton Region’s hydrogen supply chain and labour market. Funding will enable the creation of an online database of Regional small- and medium-sized businesses with capacity to move into the hydrogen supply chain, workshops focused on advancing the hydrogen economy, and engagement with businesses and post-secondary institutions to compile a hydrogen labour market assessment that will identify hydrogen-related training needs.

Since Edmonton Global was founded in 2018, the organization has supported 28 final investment decisions into the Edmonton Region representing more than $2.4 billion in investment and the creation of more than 3500 jobs.

Two other major projects in the Region related to hydrogen will also be receiving funding.

  • The Alberta Motor Transport Association and the University of Alberta are receiving $3 million to increase access to hydrogen fuel and showcase the benefits of hydrogen technology for heavy vehicles.
  • Edmonton’s C-FER Technologies is also receiving $3 million to upgrade its testing facility for hydrogen fuel infrastructure, equipment and technologies.

All together, PrairiesCan announced more than $9.74 million in funding today to spur economic growth and support the growth of the hydrogen supply chain in the Edmonton Region.

“Albertans are leading the way in hydrogen technology and we are working with industry and government partners to realize that potential. Today’s investment is all about building Canadian expertise throughout the entire value chain to develop new hydrogen supply, distribution and end uses that will support a green economy, a low-carbon energy ecosystem and create and sustain good-paying jobs for Alberta workers.” – The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

“The Edmonton Region is Canada’s hydrogen leader, and we have the natural resources and skilled workforce here to drive the emerging hydrogen economy. Today’s investments are another step on our journey to net zero emissions; supporting a healthy environment and a healthy economy while creating good paying jobs for Albertans.” – The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

“The global race is on to adopt hydrogen technologies – countries around the world are positioning to become tomorrow’s hydrogen superpowers.  We need to move aggressively to take advantage of this opportunity for Canada and are working with our partners to establish the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and Canada as a world leader in clean hydrogen. With support from stakeholders like PrairiesCan, we are making that vision a reality.” – Enzo Barichello, Edmonton Global Board Chair.

About Edmonton Global:

The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping Regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our Region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our Region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.

Contact Edmonton Global:

Sherri Bouslama

Manager, Brand Strategy & Communications

780.996.1524

sbouslama@edmontonglobal.ca

Sherri Bouslama