On Tuesday delegates were introduced to the potential role hydrogen can play in a low carbon economy. Representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources highlighted the recently published Hydrogen in BC study, and the upcoming Hydrogen Roadmap, which support CleanBC targets.
One of the uses for hydrogen is as a supplement to the natural gas grid, effectively lowering the overall carbon intensity of natural gas as an energy source.
Presenters from both government and industry spoke to the emergence of hydrogen vehicle technology as an option for zero emission vehicles (ZEV) for consumers in British Columbia.
Colin Armstrong, CEO of Hydrogen Technology and Energy Corporation, stated that although hydrogen fuel cell technology has been in existence for some time, it has taken a decade to transfer the knowledge to the consumer world. This, coupled with the provincial Zero-Emission Vehicle Act which targets a 100% ZEV by 2040, has accelerated the interest in hydrogen vehicles and infrastructure investment in BC.
Clinic highlights:
- By 2021, there will be seven hydrogen fueling stations from Victoria to Kelowna, significantly expanding the number of hydrogen ZEVs that can be serviced in BC.
- There are expected to be 30,000 hydrogen vehicles in production next year, giving consumers more choice and price options for ZEVs.
There currently is more than 22,000 ZEVs in BC, and represent over 9% of the light duty vehicle sales in the first half of 2019.