The Alberta government announced new hydrogen projects will share $20 million in funding to accelerate clean energy development across the province. .“Hydrogen is the next great opportunity in Alberta’s energy sector,” said Alberta Natural Gas and Electricity Associate Minister Dale Nally in a Wednesday press release. .“That’s why we created the Centre of Excellence and why we’re looking forward to seeing the many innovative solutions Alberta companies and entrepreneurs will present.” .The release said the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will be seeking project proposals focused on hydrogen production, storage, and transmission. .Proposals are due September 5, with full plans due November 18. .It said the funding will support successful hydrogen projects over two years, with up to $2 million available per project. This funding stems from the $50 million the Alberta government put towards launching the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence in April. .“Clean hydrogen is a fast-growing industry and represents an enormous opportunity for our province,” said Alberta Jobs, Economy, and Innovation Minister Doug Schweitzer. .“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.”.The funding should help to position Alberta as a major global supplier of clean energy exports, said the release. .“We’re proud to be helping drive the clean hydrogen industry forward, with Alberta ingenuity leading the way,” said Nally. .This funding comes after Suncor and ATCO said in 2021 they were joining to build a hydrogen facility near Fort Saskatchewan, AB. .READ MORE: Suncor, ATCO plan massive hydrogen facility in Alberta.If completed, Suncor and ATCO said the project would produce 300,000 tonnes per year of clean hydrogen “using advanced technology to capture more than 90% of the emissions generated in the hydrogen production process.”.It's expected to reduce Alberta’s carbon emissions by more than two million tonnes per year.
