Hydrogen has been described as a “fuel of the future,” with the worldwide hydrogen market estimated to be worth $2.5 trillion by 2050.
The government of Alberta is investing $3 million into a new hydrogen project with an aim to create industry jobs, reduce emissions, and attract outside investment.
“Hydrogen offers major potential for Alberta to leverage our vast natural resources, skilled workforce, and existing energy infrastructure,” argues Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
The Province’s capital hails from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction program.
The TIER funding is earmarked for Hydrogen Naturally, a local firm established in Calgary in 2022.
The investment will help Hydrogen Naturally turn forestry waste like wood chips, sawdust, plants, and other organic material into hydrogen.
“This funding accelerates the scale-up of breakthrough technologies, paving the way for a low-carbon future in Alberta,” stated Justin Riemer, chief executive officer, Emissions Reduction Alberta. “Companies like Hydrogen Naturally showcase how innovation and strategic investment can deliver tangible emissions reductions while fuelling economic growth.”
Hydrogen Naturally’s technology will capture carbon that would normally be released into the air during this process and store it underground, according to a statement from the company.
“Together, Hydrogen Naturally and Alberta can leverage our extensive carbon capture and sequestration capabilities to become global leaders in low-emission energy and sustainable forest management,” remarked Brett Jackson, who serves Hydrogen Naturally as president.
The Alberta upstart will deploy the provincial funding to power a feasibility study with an aim to provide regulatory, engineering, and environmental information toward building its first hydrogen production unit in Alberta.
If successful in Alberta, Hydrogen Naturally has plans to build production hubs across Canada and the US.
“Alberta is the largest hydrogen producer in Canada,” Nally said, “and we’re just getting started.”