A recently published opportunity assessment report, “Envisioning a Lower Mainland Hydrogen Hub in 2035,” explores how British Columbia can build a thriving hydrogen ecosystem, boosting the region’s role in driving decarbonization and sustainable growth.
Commissioned by the B.C. Clean Energy and Major Projects Office and prepared by Foresight Canada, the report outlines a strategic approach to developing the Lower Mainland hydrogen ecosystem by 2035.
It delves into the potential of creating a hydrogen hub that balances supply and demand, leveraging the region’s existing infrastructure, expertise, and policy support.
Drawing insights from a literature review, expert interviews, and other engagements with key stakeholders, the report identifies green and turquoise hydrogen as key supply sources. It emphasizes the need for reliable transportation and storage infrastructure through methods like truck, rail, and pipeline and identifies potential hydrogen end-users, including transportation, industrial decarbonization, shipping, and aviation.
Source: Foresight Canada
The report points to the need for targeted investment in infrastructure to meet the growing demand projected by 2035 and notes that the Lower Mainland’s strategic location, access to low-cost electricity, and robust infrastructure make it ideal for hydrogen hub development,
The report stresses the need for government support, streamlined regulations, and collaboration to successfully develop the hub. It also highlights the Lower Mainland’s competitive advantage and its potential to collaborate with Alberta and the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub — all to strengthen the hydrogen supply chain in Western Canada.
The report notes:
The path forward involves a combination of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and targeted investments to realize the full potential of a hydrogen hub in the Lower Mainland. By addressing the identified issues and building on the local wealth of expertise and knowledge, the region can grow the regional hydrogen ecosystem in a targeted manner that complements other viable decarbonization technologies to drive down emissions as rapidly as possible.
“Envisioning a Lower Mainland Hydrogen Hub in 2035,” by Colton Martinez Rubio & Alyssa Kelly, Foresight Canada, July 31, 2024.
Foresight Canada notes there are plans to assess the potential for hydrogen hubs in other regions of the province: Northeast B.C., the Interior (Kootenays and Okanagan), and Vancouver Island. One goal of the assessment is to implement actions from the B.C. Hydrogen Strategy.
Download the full report originally published by Foresight Canada on July 31, 2024.
