Calgary is staking its claim in the global low-carbon economy with the launch of the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub (CRH2) — a bold initiative designed to attract investment, create jobs and position the region as a leader in clean hydrogen development.
“Calgary is a city underpinned by innovation, that has and always will be the energy capital of Canada,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development (CED) and CEO of Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
“With a skilled talent pool and forward-thinking businesses, we are strongly positioned to step forward, aggregate demand for hydrogen and test new energy solutions that can be scaled globally. The opening of the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub will create jobs and attract investment and is a pivotal step in our journey to becoming a global leader in the hydrogen economy.”
Initial partners in CRH2 include CED, the Transition Accelerator and Wheatland County, with over $3 million in funding from Alberta Innovates, CED the City of Calgary and PrairiesCan.
Calgary opens hydrogen innovation hub
Managed by the Transition Accelerator, the hub builds on the region’s long-standing strengths in the energy sector. With Calgary’s skilled workforce, growing innovation ecosystem and strategic location as Western Canada’s inland port, CRH2 will leverage Alberta’s existing hydrogen production capabilities and drive large-scale adoption by businesses, industrial operations and transportation networks.
CRH2 aims to facilitate $75 million in private-sector project development and create more than 100 skilled jobs in the near term. Companies and institutions that are demand centres for hydrogen will work with researchers and startups at the hub to de-risk key projects, and test new applications.
Initially, the hub will focus on key sectors primed for hydrogen adoption, including airports, industrial and municipal fleets, hydrogen corridors, power generation and trains.
“As Canadians urgently reevaluate our approach to economic security in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, combatting climate change remains a real priority” said Dan Wicklum, CEO of the Transition Accelerator.
“The hydrogen industry presents the Calgary region with the opportunity to simultaneously pursue both objectives, leveraging its established reputation as Canada’s energy leader to secure its competitive position in a low-carbon future.”
The creation of CRH2 aligns with Calgary’s economic action plan, Uplook, which focuses on fostering innovation and positioning the city as a leader in emerging industries like clean hydrogen.
Hydrogen key to net-zero goals
Hydrogen is expected to play a critical role in the future economy, with the global market projected to reach $700 billion annually by mid-century.
As a fuel, hydrogen has a wide range of applications in capital-intensive industries. Calgary’s energy sector, logistics hub and emerging cleantech industries are particularly well-positioned to capitalize on hydrogen’s potential.
CRH2 builds on the successful model of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, aligns with the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada and Alberta’s Hydrogen Roadmap, and is a key component of Calgary’s own climate strategy, which targets a 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
“The Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub is a landmark initiative that showcases our city’s leadership in the global energy transition,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
“As a city known for our resiliency and innovative approaches to solving global challenges, the public and private partnerships facilitated through this hub will set our city apart and advance our position as global energy leader.”
The initiative is the result of two years of strategic coordination between government, industry and community partners.
“Collaboration is our most powerful tool in advancing decarbonization—whether at the regional, provincial, national, or international level,” said Brent Lakeman, Executive Director of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub.
“The launch of the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub is an important milestone for Alberta’s growing hydrogen economy. As we work to position Alberta as a global leader in hydrogen production and innovation, we look forward to partnering with the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub to strengthen Alberta’s leadership, drive economic opportunities and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.”
Regional collaboration key to unlocking low carbon future
CRH2 will help accelerate the energy transition across the Calgary region – including nearby counties – by coordinating research, fostering collaboration and overcoming barriers to hydrogen adoption.
“Wheatland County is helping chart a path of energy diversification by leveraging its strategic location and resources to support hydrogen technology innovations within Alberta,” said Wheatland County Reeve Amber Link.
Anita Anand, the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, added “Alberta has the skills and expertise to be a leader in the net-zero economy.”
“Our government is investing in the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub to position Calgary at the forefront of knowledge sharing, hydrogen corridor development, and to support the supply and demand opportunities of hydrogen — not just in southern Alberta, but beyond.”
With this project now in motion, stakeholders across industries have a unique opportunity to shape the future of clean energy.
“Alberta’s hydrogen economy is gaining momentum,” said Mike Mahon, CEO of Alberta Innovates.
“Alberta Innovates and its Hydrogen Centre of Excellence are driving the production, deployment and use of hydrogen, and now the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub is bolstering the growth of the hydrogen economy in the Calgary region. This important initiative will help to advance the adoption of hydrogen technologies that will benefit Albertans across the province.”
In these times of economic uncertainty, the Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean also noted the innovation hub will strengthen the Calgary region’s ability to access and feed new markets including Japan and Korea.
By fostering collaboration and innovation, CRH2 will not only drive local economic growth but also solidify Calgary’s position as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.
To get involved, visit calgaryhydrogen.ca and learn more about Calgary’s energy and environment sector here.