Canada this week announced an investment into the exploration of hydrogen fuelling options for public transit agencies within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas.
Gregor Robertson, the minister who manages Pacific Economic Development Canada, says that the federal government is investing more than $1 million alongside the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium and the City of Mississauga to aid the Canadian Hydrogen Association in the development of a low-carbon fleet transition plan in the Toronto region.
“Canada is committed to building a cleaner, more sustainable future for all communities,” Robertson stated.
“This planning project with the Canadian Hydrogen Association and CUTRIC allows for greater thought into innovative hydrogen solutions,” the federal minister continued.
“We’re laying the foundation for a resilient energy system that supports economic growth, reduces emissions, and improves quality of life for Canadians,” said Robertson.
The multi-phase plan includes examining the economic, technological, and environmental benefits of adopting low-carbon vehicles, particularly those powered by clean hydrogen, while also addressing key considerations and constraints related to implementation.
The plan also includes leveraging industry experts and transit agencies’ knowledge for strategic planning, exploring the feasibility of a hydrogen fuelling hub for transit in Ontario, and gathering real-world data for program and technological improvements.
Josipa Petrunic, chief executive officer of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium, argues that “Hydrogen plays a key role in moving transit toward zero emissions.”
Rechie Valdez, who functions as Minister of Women and Gender Equality, agrees, noting how the “federal government knows how important accessible, clean transit is for families in Mississauga.”
Carolyn Parrish, the Mayor of Mississauga, suggests that “Reducing carbon emissions from the transit fleet is a critical step for Mississauga’s overall climate strategy.”
The federal capital is being supplied through Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund, which launched as part of the Canada Public Transit Fund to help communities such as Fredericton transition to zero-emission transit and school buses.