The government of the Canadian province of Alberta is allotting $37.64 million (CAD 50 million) to move hydrogen projects forward through the organizations Alberta Innovates and Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).
The funding will help researchers, innovators, companies, and the industry develop technologies that are critical to advancing Alberta’s Hydrogen Roadmap and Natural Gas Strategy, Alberta Innovates said in a press release Tuesday.
According to the release, $18.82 million (CAD 25 million) in funding will come from ERA for later-stage innovations through its Accelerating Hydrogen Challenge, while $15.06 million (CAD 20 million) to $18.82 million (CAD 25 million) will come from Alberta Innovates to support early-stage innovations through the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence Competition 2. Additional funding will also come from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
The funding competition accepts project proposals in areas such as hydrogen production, storage, transmission, and end-use in heavy-duty transportation; industrial heat, power, and chemicals; as well as commercial and residential heating and other industries. Technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development (R&D) organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous businesses, municipalities, and government research labs can apply for the funding, the news release said.
ERA-funded projects are due September 22 and must be completed in 36 months, while Alberta Innovates-funded projects are due September 26 and must be completed in 24 months. Alberta Innovates, ERA, and NRCan are providing a coordinated one-window approach for these two parallel funding competitions to reduce red tape for applicants, according to the news release.
“Hydrogen is a vital technology in the path towards a low-carbon future”, Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said in the release. “The Government of Canada is pleased to collaborate with partners like Alberta Innovates to launch this competition that supports further innovation in the hydrogen sector. Technologies like this are helping to create good jobs across Canada, as we build a strong and prosperous economy.”
“The hydrogen economy is the next frontier for Alberta”, Alberta Innovates CEO Laura Kilcrease said. “The province is the largest producer of hydrogen and has the people, resources, and infrastructure in place to move us into the new economy. Partnerships like this allow for producers, innovators, and industry to come together and test their hydrogen ideas. Ultimately this will help Alberta capitalize on new innovation opportunities that generate benefits beyond the energy value chain.”
“This targeted and coordinated effort between ERA and Alberta Innovates with funding from the Government of Alberta is required to ensure a healthy pipeline of hydrogen technologies across the value chain are supported”, ERA CEO Justin Riemer said.
“Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and, as we are already a leader in this field, this competition will explore and advance clean hydrogen technologies while generating, fresh exciting new projects and ideas”, Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schultz said.
“Clean hydrogen is a fast-growing industry and represents an enormous opportunity for our province”, Alberta Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said. “Our strengths in natural gas, carbon capture, and renewable electricity will help us expand our work in the hydrogen space and diversify our energy sector. Alberta is a global leader in innovative energy solutions and these solutions are helping to create more jobs for Albertans.”
Alberta Innovates is an organization that provides funding, business advice and connections, applied research, and industrial testing facilities to accelerate research and innovations that benefit the province, according to the organization’s website.
Meanwhile, ERA was created in 2009 to help deliver on Alberta’s environmental and economic goals, supporting economic growth by investing in the pilot, demonstration, and deployment of clean technology solutions, according to the organization’s website.
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