The Manufacturing for Hydrogen Symposium on February 5, 2025, brought together leaders from across the Edmonton Region’s hydrogen ecosystem to showcase the growing opportunities for the manufacturing companies in the hydrogen sector.
Throughout the half-day program, speakers explored the connection between local manufacturers and the clean energy economy and how Edmonton Region businesses can take advantage of business opportunities in the hydrogen economy.
From hydrogen production to demand creation, supply chain challenges, and workforce development, the manufacturing sector can fill gaps in Canada’s clean energy transition and turn a profit while they do it.
The first panel, “Utilizing Solid Carbon: Innovations in Manufacturing and Supply” featured Chris Bayley, P. Eng., Chief Project Officer for Innova Cleantech Corp., Erin Mulrooney, Corporate Strategy Associate for Aurora Hydrogen, and Tyler Anderson, Owner of 3D Printersaur.
The discussion focused on methane pyrolysis, a process that produces hydrogen while generating solid carbon instead of CO2 emissions.
Erin noted that carbon is a very big part of the story, and depending on the type of methane pyrolysis technology used, there is a variety of types of solid carbon that can be developed. One example is carbon sand, which is a byproduct of the process used by local hydrogen producer, Aurora Hydrogen.
It was also noted that with the sheer volume of solid carbon produced through hydrogen production (three kilograms of solid carbon per kilogram of hydrogen), there is almost limitless opportunity for applications across sectors. Examples include using solid carbon for things like soil amendments, battery anodes, construction materials, cement, steel, and composites. Tyler noted that 3D Printersaur is in the process of exploring its application in 3D printing.
A major barrier identified was the lack of policy support for methane pyrolysis.
Historically, government incentives focused on green and blue hydrogen, excluding methane pyrolysis from federal investment credits. However, its recent inclusion in the Federal Clean Economy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) marks a step toward technology-agnostic policy, a principle that Chris Bayley stressed as essential for market-driven hydrogen innovation.
The second panel, “A Manufacturer’s Role in Driving Demand” featured Rebecca Goldsack, COO of Diesel Tech Industries and Chair of Hydrogen Alberta, Nolan Callander, Business Development Specialist for Argus, and Bob Blatter, Director and CEO of Cariboo Clean Fuels and Chair of Hydrogen B.C.
The panelists emphasized how manufacturers must take a strategic approach to hydrogen adoption, highlighting the need for collaboration, innovation, and infrastructure development. The panelists shared how companies in the hydrogen ecosystem differ from those in the traditional energy sector which tend to be highly competitive. Rather, companies are focused on developing solutions and accelerating adoption through a collaborative approach.
A key takeaway was the need to balance immediate cost-effective solutions with long-term advancements. Examples like Diesel Tech Industries’ dual-fuel trucks and the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge demonstrate how collaborative projects can accelerate hydrogen adoption. The panel also highlighted the importance of creating hydrogen hubs along key corridors, such as Western Canada’s Hydrogen Highway, to simultaneously develop supply and demand — addressing the “chicken or the egg” question.
The final panel, “Manufacturing Within the Hydrogen Economy” featured André McDonald PhD, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta and Scott McNeil-Smith, Vice President, Manufacturing Sector Performance for Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC).
Panelists emphasized the importance of understanding hydrogen supply chain relationships and how they can influence costs — a key driver for manufacturers. They added that regulatory standards and policy must be a priority, as codes and policies must evolve alongside innovation. Panelists emphasized the need for industry to engage with policymakers and regulators to ensure that standards facilitate and motivate industry growth.
Workforce development was also a major focus of the discussion, with panelists stressing that training and upskilling must be a joint effort between industry, government, and post-secondary institutions.
André shared how the Alberta Advanced Manufacturing International Hub is working to address this challenge. Co-led by the University of Alberta and InnoTech Alberta, with funding from Alberta Innovates, this network of Alberta partners is working to advance manufacturing technologies, support innovation, and develop the local workforce.
Scott and André explained how emphasizing the hydrogen industry’s message around technology, workforce, and supply chain gaps can help manufacturers transition their processes for new markets, like hydrogen.
The event wrapped up with a demonstration of Edmonton Global’s hydrogen supply chain mapping tool, a new platform designed to map the hydrogen value chain across the Edmonton Region.
The tool includes a searchable database of over 100 companies in the Edmonton Region’s hydrogen ecosystem, serving as a platform to connect businesses to new partnerships and revenue streams in the hydrogen market. Manufacturers entering the hydrogen economy can use the tool to gain a comprehensive view of the hydrogen energy landscape, understand market dynamics, and identify areas for growth.
The Manufacturing for Hydrogen Symposium showcased the rapid evolution of hydrogen technologies and the vital role of manufacturing in scaling adoption.
From solid carbon utilization and infrastructure development to workforce training and regulatory alignment, the discussions reinforced that collaboration and policy support will be key in positioning Alberta — and Canada — as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.
To continue the conversation and explore the latest advancements in hydrogen, join industry leaders at the Canadian Hydrogen Convention. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of hydrogen. Register today.
