April 25, 2023. Air Products, the world’s largest producer of hydrogen and a first-mover in energy transition projects, announced plans to build a multi-modal hydrogen refueling station near its new net-zero hydrogen energy complex under construction in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The hydrogen refueling station will be Air Products’ first in Canada and the first commercial-scale hydrogen refueling station in Alberta. The station plans were announced at the Canadian Hydrogen Convention during a fireside chat with Eric Guter, Air Products’ Global Vice President, Hydrogen for Mobility.
“This station is the next step in Air Products’ commitment to Edmonton and the province of Alberta and will serve as a model that can be replicated throughout Canada to grow the hydrogen economy, reduce emissions and assist Canada on its path to achieving net-zero by 2050,” said Guter. “Canada is well-positioned to be a leader in the clean energy future, and we are proud to build on Air Products’ investment in Western Canada to help accelerate the use of hydrogen as an emissions-free transportation fuel across the nation.”
The hydrogen refueling station is supported in part by $1 million (CAD) in funding from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
“Unlocking the potential of hydrogen is an essential part of the federal government’s plan for a sustainable economic future,” noted the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources. “Not just for the domestic opportunities for emissions reductions but also for hydrogen’s potential as an export opportunity: to provide clean energy to countries around the globe.”
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, added, “Diversifying Canada’s energy portfolio is key to a prosperous economic future, one that creates good paying careers, and helps us achieve our 2050 net-zero goals. Today’s announcement further positions the Edmonton region as a hydrogen innovator, providing local businesses and residents a convenient way to fuel up both heavy duty and light duty hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.”
The new station will include two hydrogen refueling lanes with dispensers for heavy-duty vehicles such as commercial and municipal trucks, and Air Products’ own truck fleet, with a filling time on par with conventionally fueled heavy-duty trucks. In addition, the station also will have two fueling positions for light-duty hydrogen fuel cell cars. The state-of-the-art, high-capacity, high-efficiency station is scheduled to open in early 2025 and will be available to retail customers. Using proprietary compression technology, the station will have a capacity of up to six tonnes of hydrogen per day. It will be located in Northeast Edmonton near Air Products’ transformative new $1.6 billion (CAD) net-zero hydrogen energy complex.