Explainer: The move to Hydrogen-composed fuel in B.C. ports
The project is expected to help reduce emissions, starting next year
The provincial government is sending $4 million in funding to support the BC Hydrogen Ports Project (BCH2 Ports Project) which aims to support the province’s decarbonization goals.(Pexels/Tom Fisk)
The Provincial Government of British Columbia is planning to send $4 million in funding to support the BC Hydrogen Ports Project (BCH2 Ports Project), a joint effort between public and private sectors to showcase technology made in B.C. that supports the province’s decarbonization goals. The project is expected to start in early 2024.
The project funds come from the Commercial Vehicle Pilots program and the Advanced Research and Commercialization program which both aim to encourage moves towards zero emission vehicles.
Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation, said hydrogen will be important for B.C. to make the transition to cleaner energy sources in a press release.
The province’s commercial transport sector accounts for 60 per cent of transport emissions and 25 per cent of the province’s total emissions. Around 70 per cent of the province’s end-use energy demand is currently met through fossil fuels like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas.
Hydrogen fuel is a clean power source that, when consumed, only produces water. Hydrogen can also be found in domestic resources like natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind.
Although it can be produced in many ways, the most common methods are natural gas reformation and electrolysis. To a lesser extent, solar-driven processes and biological processes like bacteria and microalgae are also commonly used.
Led by the Hydrogen Technology and Energy Corporation (HTEC), a company focusing on hydrogen-composed energy, many Canadian companies are supporting the project. HTEC will be responsible for the clean hydrogen supply for the BCH2 Ports Project.
Leased by HTEC, four fuel-cell electric yard trucks and two class eight shipping-container trucks will be used for demonstration in the project. Harbour Link Container Services, Tidewater Container Services, and BC Ferries Commercial Services will operate these vehicles throughout the Port of Vancouver.
The project will feature HTEC’s higher-capacity fuelling station, serving heavy-duty hydrogen electric vehicles to start off.
Colin Armstrong, president and CEO of HTEC, said in the press release he’s excited to partner with other leaders in the hydrogen-industry to help B.C. reach decarbonization targets and achieve a zero-emissions future.
“We hope that this project will pave the way for similar actions across Canada in the future and help the country reach its net-zero goals.”
The hydrogen-fuelling station will be located at a Parkland Corporation cardlock site on the unceded territory of the Tsawwassen First Nation.
According to the press release, ports are typically high-emission sources of greenhouse gases and local air pollutants. The project is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 110 tonnes per year.
The amount of energy used annually is equal to about 21,400 homes. B.C. is also being recognized internationally as a global leader in hydrogen and fuel-cell research and development.
