Hydrogen is the future, and Edmonton is leading the way.

Mayor Sohi, Minister Boissonnault, Minister Vandal and PrairiesCan representatives at today’s announcement

I am so pleased to announce that today, the federal government and PrairiesCan announced funding of $9.74 million to support 4 hydrogen-related projects in the greater Edmonton region. What a win for our city!

To break this funding down:

• Edmonton Global is receiving a total of $3,744,000 for two projects to strengthen the regional hydrogen supply chain and expand investment initiatives to grow the Edmonton regional economy. This includes an investment of $3 million to help increase the scale and scope of foreign direct investment initiatives that target specific sub-sectors such as hydrogen, and enables Edmonton Global to host international events while expanding international promotion of the Edmonton region and developing new tools and materials for potential investors. The remaining $744,000 will enable Edmonton Global to develop the Edmonton region’s hydrogen supply chain and labour market by supporting businesses to move into the hydrogen supply chain through education, resource allocation and increased engagement.
• The Alberta Motor Transport Association and the University of Alberta are receiving $3 million to increase access to hydrogen fuel and showcase the benefits of hydrogen technology for heavy vehicles. This initiative will encourage the adoption of hydrogen fuel by Alberta’s heavy vehicle sector by supporting product testing to demonstrate the real-world capabilities of hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles.
• Edmonton’s C-FER Technologies is also receiving $3 million to upgrade its testing facility for hydrogen fuel infrastructure, equipment and technologies, which will promote safety, efficiency and reliability long-term.

Mayor Sohi and friends in front of a VEXSL truck. VEXSL is a company made up of military veterans, first responders and cargo/freight logistics specialists focusing on delivering secured physical and digital, quality assured, end-to-end ground & air transportation logistics solutions, with a mission of maintaining low emissions and promoting hydrogen technology.

Acceleration of the hydrogen economy is a key pillar of the Edmonton region’s low carbon economic development strategy. These investments will further elevate and strengthen Edmonton region’s position to be a global hydrogen hub, and are in alignment with the City of Edmonton’s climate goals.

Another huge benefit for Edmonton? 1,600 jobs will be supported by these investments, and they will help small- and medium-sized businesses operating in the hydrogen industry access the resources they need to innovate and scale-up.

Mayor Sohi at today’s announcement

I was grateful to be in attendance for this announcement today with Minister Vandal and Minister Boissonnault, as I know we have shared goals about the future of hydrogen for regional leaders. Low-carbon and zero-emission hydrogen can reduce our annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45 million metric tonnes a year by 2030, and this signifies a strong start to 2023 for both the Edmonton region and its burgeoning hydrogen industry, while amplifying and supporting our climate goals.

This is how we grow our economy while prioritizing climate action, and this is how we WILL build an Edmonton for all of us.