May 26, 2024
Benoit Charette
HTEC receives $467M in funding to develop fueling stations
The HTEC company announced Friday that it had obtained more than $130 million from the province and a loan of $337 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). This funding aims to develop a network of hydrogen refueling stations for the transport industry, as part of the H2 Gateway project.
A network of 20 stations for British Columbia and Alberta
The H2 Gateway project, with a total cost of $900 million, plans to operate 20 stations, including 18 in British Columbia and two in Alberta. These stations will be supported by three new electrolyzers in Burnaby, Nanaimo and Prince George, as well as a new facility in North Vancouver. Fourteen of these stations will have the capacity to refuel up to 300 heavy vehicles per day.
Job creation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
HTEC projects the creation of more than 280 full-time jobs and estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector could be reduced by 133,000 tonnes per year.
François Girard, program advisor on hydrogen technologies at the National Research Council of Canada, welcomes this announcement, emphasizing that it responds to a crucial need to simultaneously develop hydrogen infrastructure and vehicles.
British Columbia, a pioneer in hydrogen
In 2021, British Columbia became the first Canadian province to release a comprehensive hydrogen strategy. Premier David Eby recalled past challenges, including a lack of fuel or vehicles during the 2010 Olympics and the proposed “hydrogen highway” between Vancouver and Whistler.
Federal Investments and Future Outlook
John Casola, CIB’s chief investment officer, said the bank announced more than $500 million in investments in British Columbia this week, including $75 million for BC Ferries to purchase four zero-emission ferries and 150 $M for the Port of Prince Rupert. He emphasizes that the partnership with HTEC was particularly complex to conclude.
François Girard also noted that the hydrogen issue has evolved, moving from promoting environmental aspects to potential economic benefits.
With more than 50% of Canadian hydrogen and fuel cell companies based in British Columbia, the province is positioned as a leader in this sector. By 2035, Ottawa is aiming for a 100% clean new vehicle fleet.
A competitive market in North America
British Columbia hopes to become competitive with California, the main North American hydrogen market, by focusing on decarbonizing transportation and industries, as well as exporting to the Asian market.
With information from Radio-Canada
About the Author
Benoit Charette / Owner and editor-in-chief Benoit Charette has been practicing automotive journalism for 30 years. He is founder, owner and editor-in-chief of L’Annuel de l’automobile, which he has published since 2001. He hosted the shows RPM and RPM+ on V and Légendes de la route on Historia. On the radio since 1986, he hosts the show ça tête la route and participates for the second year in the show Passion Auto on RDS in addition to putting the official website of L’Annuel de l’automobile online on annualauto. That.
