Announcing the launch of the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge
APRIL 25, 2023 (EDMONTON METROPOLITAN REGION)—Today, the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB is pleased to announce the launch of the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge – an initiative aimed at getting 5,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road in Western Canada within five years.
Picture a future where buses, trains, heavy trucks, and farm equipment run on zero-emissions hydrogen fuel. The region has helped lead Canada’s energy transition through the production, use and export of low-carbon hydrogen, ushering in a wave of good clean energy jobs.
This is the vision of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB – and this challenge will accelerate the pace towards this future.
The announcement featured dozens of organizations and companies already working towards de-risking the transition to hydrogen including: Air Products, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, Alberta Innovates, Alberta Motor Transportation Association, Alberta Innovates, Apeiron Hydrogen, City of Edmonton, Edmonton International Airport, Diesel Tech Industries, Diversified Charter Buses, Emissions Reduction Alberta, Hyzon, Innovative Fuel Systems, Linde, NAIT, Nikola Motors, Prairies Economic Development Canada, Transition Accelerator, TRAXX, Trimac, Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, Superior Propane, and VEXSL.
The commercial transportation sector is one of the heaviest emitting industries – transitioning to alternative energy sources is key to reaching net-zero targets.
With a larger goal of 30,000 hydrogen vehicles on roads by 2035, coordinated and aggressive action is needed to achieve the critical mass of vehicles and infrastructure for a sustainable hydrogen economy to grow. The Challenge demonstrates that there is demand in the Edmonton region for fuelling station operators, original equipment manufacturers, service providers, and production and transportation companies to invest in Western Canada’s emerging hydrogen economy, which is centred in the Edmonton region.
“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. We are steadfastly focused on leading Canada’s energy transition through the production, use and export of low-carbon hydrogen. Canada’s road to net-zero runs through the Edmonton region.” – Alanna Hnatiw, Mayor of Sturgeon County, Co-chair of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB
“To meet Canada’s net-zero targets we need tens of thousands of hydrogen-fueled vehicles on the road by 2035 – the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge will be the first step to reaching this goal by collectively de-risking and kickstarting this transition. We’re committed to supporting this transition and helping to integrate hydrogen into our energy system.” – David Van Den Assem, Director, Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, Alberta Innovates.
“Air Products is proud to be launching our first hydrogen refueling station in Canada in Edmonton. This will be the first commercial-scale hydrogen refueling station in Alberta and is the next step in Air Products’ commitment to Edmonton and the province of Alberta. The station will serve as a model that can be replicated throughout Canada to grow the hydrogen economy, reduce emissions and assist Canada on its path to achieving net-zero by 2050,” Eric Guter, Global Vice President, Hydrogen Mobility, Air Products
“Nikola is fully committed to supporting the transportation sector’s transition to hydrogen and provide workable solutions for Canada’s road to net zero. We will be working together with all parties to ease this transition, build demand and provide customers a sensible value with new technology demonstrations and deployment – starting with two zero-emissions trucks just announced with AMTA.” – Carey Mendes, President, Nikola Energy
“The world is in the first stages of transitioning to new energy sources, especially hydrogen. Alberta, and the Edmonton region in particular, is among four or five places in the world that can be global leaders in this transition. We are demonstrating, through the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge, our region’s commitment to action and that we can come together, collaborate, and de-risk the transition to net-zero for the entire transportation sector. It’s the right thing for the planet and the right thing for our region’s economy” – Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global
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.
About the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB
The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB is an alliance of government, Indigenous, academic, and economic development leaders working together to kickstart the Edmonton Region’s hydrogen economy and ensure long-term economic competitiveness as the world shifts towards a low-carbon future.
Contact Edmonton Global
Sherri Bouslama Manager, Brand Strategy and Communications
sbouslama@edmontonglobal.ca
780-996-1524
