David Layzell, honourary chair of the Canadian Hydrogen Convention which attracted thousands of people to Edmonton from April 26-28 to discuss the emerging hydrogen economy, is bullish on the role the Edmonton region will play.
"Edmonton of all places in the world is probably the best positioned to be able to take a leadership role in this new energy transition," he said. "We have lots of hydrogen production in this region already — probably 25% of all hydrogen produced in Canada — and we've done it for 40 years. But we also know how to capture it and produce it."
Several hydrogen-related announcements were made during the convention, including:
- The province will invest $50 million to create a new Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, led by Alberta Innovates, to support entrepreneurs building hydrogen technologies.
- The Edmonton International Airport (EIA) announced several agreements and initiatives that position it as "a significant driver of demand for hydrogen fuel" and "a new home for piloting emerging hydrogen technologies."
- Invest Alberta, Ontario's EnerTech Capital, and the California Mobility Center (CMC) signed an MOU to increase collaboration and research in the advanced mobility sector, which includes electric vehicles (EVs).
Malcolm Bruce, CEO of Edmonton Global — which co-hosted the event — said the convention is intended to be an annual event.
"Energy has long been the backbone of the Edmonton economy, and we are excited about the opportunity that hydrogen represents for our region to continue to lead in providing sustainable energy solutions for Canada and beyond," he said.