Government collaboration supporting the future of Alberta's clean hydrogen sector

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EDMONTON, AB, June 9, 2021 /CNW/ - The COVID-19 pandemic has made life difficult for Canadian workers and businesses. As we emerge from the pandemic, governments are working on an economic recovery that will create well-paying jobs and a healthy environment for Canadians, today and well into the future.

As competition heats up in the global recovery, it is more important than ever for industry and governments to work hand in hand in getting an early foothold in growing markets. To this end, governments are working together to help Canadians seize economic opportunities, including jobs, in the area of clean fuels and other low-emission products. Canada, including Alberta's energy sector, is starting with a solid foundation of expertise, resources and policies to succeed in building a cleaner, stronger and more resilient economy—one that is competitive in an increasingly low-carbon global economy.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta, and His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton, announced that their governments are working closely with Air Products Canada Ltd. to advance clean energy in Canada and jointly pursue a transformative $1.3 billion net-zero hydrogen production investment. The clean hydrogen facility would be operational by 2024, a first-mover anchor to secure Canada's early foothold in the global hydrogen market, pending further discussions and a final scope decision from the company.

The Government of Canada and Invest Alberta have each signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the company on potentially supporting the expansion of its hydrogen network and the transition to clean energy. This would involve the company building a new world-scale facility in the Edmonton region to produce clean hydrogen. This project would enable Air Products Canada Ltd. to produce hydrogen-fuelled electricity and provide liquid hydrogen for the growing transportation market, as well as other key industrial sectors.

This aligns with the Government of Canada's strengthened climate plan—A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy—and Budget 2021, which identify the development of next-generation clean fuels, such as hydrogen, as a way to secure our clean industrial advantage and clean-growth future. It also supports early actions outlined in the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada to lay the foundation for success in the short, medium and long term.