National urban transit task force welcomes national strategy released by federal government
December 17, 2020
VANCOUVER – The Urban Transit Task Force (UTTF) applauds the new National Hydrogen Strategy for Canada released by Natural Resources Canada and the federal government’s commitment to pursue hydrogen energy as a key component of the country’s goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Launched by Minister Seamus O’Regan (Natural Resources Canada), the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada outlines 32 recommendations such as strategic partnerships, de-risking of investments, support for innovation, development of regulations, codes, and standards, enabling policies, raising public awareness, establishing regional blueprints, and strengthening export to international markets.
Canada is recognized as a leader in the global hydrogen economy as well as the cradle of the modern fuel cell. The country continues to lead in R&D and innovation as Canadian-made hydrogen and fuel cell products and services are exported and utilized for various applications in countries around the world, demonstrating the opportunity for growth and deployment on an international scale.
Today, Canadian hydrogen and fuel cell technology are helping to power over 1,200 fuel cell electric buses and reduce vehicle emissions in Europe, Brazil, China, and the United States.
In addition, Canada’s rich feedstock reserves, skilled energy labour force, strategic energy infrastructure assets, and leading position in innovation and industry in the hydrogen and fuel cell sector positions the country to become one of the top three global producers of clean hydrogen. The country is one of the top ten global producers of hydrogen today, producing an estimated 3 million tonnes annually.
Quotes:
Nicolas Pocard, Director of Marketing, Ballard Power Systems and Chair, Urban Transit Task Force –
“The Strategy represents a tremendous business opportunity for Canada’s leading hydrogen and fuel cell technology and energy companies especially for urban transit bus application where hydrogen will play a critical role in the electrification bus fleets operating in the challenging route and weather conditions of Canada while creating value and skilled jobs across the country.”
Mark Kirby, President and CEO, Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) –
“The strategy provides the critical framework, and the government has signalled through the revised Climate Plan and the $1.5 billion Clean Fuel fund that it is prepared to back it with key policy & funding. This will stimulate private sector investment in hydrogen production and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell products, enabling us to meet our climate goals, grow our economy and develop exportable clean products and technology.”
Dr. Josipa Petrunic, President, Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) –
“CUTRIC, the non-profit responsible for the development and commercialization of low-carbon transit technologies, welcomes the Government of Canada’s hydrogen strategy – a critical tool in electrifying our transit systems and reaching Canada’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. Public transit is a fundamental application of hydrogen technologies and it must receive dedicated support so our communities can benefit from them quickly.
The development and adoption of zero-emission technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, will help improve the environment while creating jobs just when we need them most. There are shovel-ready hydrogen technology projects right here in Canada, such as Mississauga’s MiWay bus project, which underline the feasibility of Canadian-made innovative technologies on Canadian soil. Governments across jurisdictions need to work together, and provide the adequate resources, to further establish Canada as a global leader and scale these projects to every public transit system.”
About the Urban Transit Task Force (UTTF)
The national Urban Transit Task Force works to inform municipalities and transit agencies about how hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology can provide a convenient, cost-effective and low-risk solution for zero-emission transportation, particularly in urban transit applications such as buses. The Task Force will also work to address barriers to commercialization that may arise in safety, fuel cell products and hydrogen supply, codes and standards, training, analysis, public acceptance or other areas. The Task Force will liaison with groups promoting hydrogen energy commercialization in other sectors to leverage efforts and share learnings and best practices.
About the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA)
The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) is a national association that supports industry, academia, government agencies, financial organizations and other stakeholders focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products. As the collective voice of Canada’s world-leading hydrogen and fuel cell sector, the CHFCA’s mission is to strengthen Canadian leadership, raise awareness of the benefits of the technology, and accelerate the adoption of its members’ products and services in Canada and abroad. The CHFCA currently has 80 members across Canada and two regional branches in British Columbia and Quebec. You can also follow CHFCA on Twitter at @PoweringNow or visit www.chfca.ca for more information.