Panel Abstract:
Are we realizing the Canadian Hydrogen Strategy? Hydrogen technologies and production has the potential to transform Canada’s energy system and economy, but the path to get there requires strategic leadership, collaboration, and policy support. This clean hydrogen innovation panel brings together leaders who are actively strengthening the Canadian clean hydrogen value chain. They will discuss initiatives and collaborations to seize the opportunity for Made-in-Canada solutions now to achieve low-cost clean hydrogen production, enabling broader adoption, helping companies scale, decarbonizing key sectors, and growing knowledge intensive exports. Panelists will also provide innovation policy recommendations, including examples of international initiatives and incentives.

Summary of Conversations

The panel explored Canada’s hydrogen economy, emphasizing its potential for decarbonizing industries and transportation. Discussions covered hydrogen production methods (AEM, PEM, alkaline electrolysis), the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH), and the importance of reducing electricity costs for achieving DOE targets. Panellists highlighted the necessity of innovation in R&D, workforce training, and establishing supportive government policies, including large-scale infrastructure support, industry-specific regulations, and incentives for early-stage growth. The conversation touched on the challenges and opportunities related to hydrogen transportation, the potential of green ammonia for fertilizer production, and the significance of national coordination for hydrogen initiatives.

Take Away Messages/Current Status of Challenges

• High electricity costs constitute a major barrier to achieving affordable green hydrogen production.
• The absence of a unified national hydrogen policy, coupled with regional disparities in regulations and carbon pricing, hinders industry standardization.
• Insufficient investment in hydrogen R&D and innovation poses a risk of Canada falling behind other nations.
• The lack of comprehensive workforce development programs in hydrogen safety, engineering, and technology limits the availability of skilled professionals.
• Inadequate infrastructure for hydrogen distribution, transportation, and storage impedes widespread adoption.
• The nascent stage of codes, standards, and regulations for hydrogen usage impacts confidence in its safety and reliability.
• Concerns exist regarding the environmental risks associated with hydrogen transportation methods, particularly ammonia.
• Existing funding opportunities disproportionately favor established companies, creating barriers for startups.

Recommendations/Next Steps

• Prioritize increased investment in R&D to accelerate technological advancements and cost reduction in hydrogen production and utilization.
• Establish a national hydrogen policy to ensure uniformity in regulations, codes, carbon pricing, and end-user support across Canada.
• Develop targeted workforce training programs focused on hydrogen safety, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills to cultivate a skilled workforce.
• Incentivize early-stage growth by providing funding opportunities and support tailored for startups and innovative companies.
• Streamline the development and implementation of comprehensive codes, standards, and regulations to ensure the safe and reliable adoption of hydrogen technologies.
• Explore diverse solutions for hydrogen transportation, storage and distribution with focus on safety and environmental impact.
• Incorporate a use-inspired approach in fundamental research, fostering collaboration between research labs, industry and policymakers.
• Facilitate collaboration between Haber-Bosch experts and hydrogen production specialists to optimize green ammonia production for fertilizers.