The federal government is investing half a million dollars into the Vancouver-based Canadian Hydrogen Association to help expand local hydrogen and fuel cell companies into markets around the world.
British Columbia is home to the largest hydrogen and fuel cell cluster in Canada, hosting a majority of related companies in the country.
Employing over 1,300 full-time workers, BC’s hydrogen cluster powers low-emission energy solutions that the government believes are important to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050.
“With clean energy innovation, British Columbians are leading Canada into the hydrogen economy,” says Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
“This investment supports good jobs, lower emissions, and a stronger Canadian economy—built for today and the future,” he added.
The freshly funded Canadian Hydrogen Association intends to help Canadian companies attract investment, seize export opportunities, and showcase local companies on international platforms.
“British Columbia is well-positioned to become a leading exporter of hydrogen, hydrogen technologies, and related services by capitalizing on its world-leading industry and research expertise, proximity to key markets and abundant natural resources,” remarked Nicolas Hilario, Interim President and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen Association.
The investment hails from PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem program.
“Our sector is grateful to PacifiCan for its support as we accelerate our efforts to expand export of, and investment interest in, BC hydrogen capabilities and products,” stated Hilario.
In a similar vein of support for hydrogen just over one year ago, PacifiCan announced in May 2024 an investment of $9.4 million to launch the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University with an aim to advance hydrogen production and technologies both at home and abroad.
The Canadian Hydrogen Association launched in the 1970’s.