British Columbia is home to the largest hydrogen and fuel cell cluster in Canada, housing more than half of all related companies in the country.
Employing nearly 1,400 full-time workers, this hydrogen cluster powers low-emission energy solutions—and this week attracted federal investment.
“With clean energy innovation, British Columbians are leading Canada into the hydrogen economy,” says Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
PacifiCan is pouring half a million dollars into The Canadian Hydrogen Association to help expand local hydrogen and fuel cell companies into markets around the world.
“This investment supports good jobs, lower emissions, and a stronger Canadian economy—built for today and the future,” Robertson stated.
The freshly funded Canadian Hydrogen Association intends to help B.C. companies attract investment, seize export opportunities, and showcase local companies on international platforms.
“British Columbia is well-positioned to become a leading exporter of hydrogen, hydrogen technologies, and related services by capitalizing on its world-leading industry and research expertise, proximity to key markets and abundant natural resources,” believes Nicolas Hilario, Interim President and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen Association.
This investment was provided through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem program.
“Our sector is grateful to PacifiCan for its support as we accelerate our efforts to expand export of, and investment interest in, BC hydrogen capabilities and products,” Hilario said.
In May 2024, PacifiCan announced an investment of $9.4 million to launch the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University, which with partners—including the Canadian Hydrogen Association—to advance hydrogen production and technologies both at home and abroad.
Regional entities currently innovating in the space include Vancouver-based Ekona Power, whose proprietary pulsed methane pyrolysis platform uses combustion and high-speed gas dynamics to convert natural gas into hydrogen and solid carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional steam methane reforming.
Ekona’s solid carbon byproduct represents a revenue stream that strengthens the economics of its hydrogen production platform, according to the company, and also provides an opportunity to lower the GHG intensity of solid carbon production, providing economic and environmental benefits for markets where carbon can be utilized.
The B.C. firm is targeting decarbonization efforts across industries like refining, steel production, power generation, and natural gas transmission.
Founded in 2017, Ekona has made the Foresight 50 every year since the list’s launch in 2021.
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