Today, the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Seamus O'Regan, alongside the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, launched the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada which establishes a framework that seeks to position Canada as a global leader in the hydrogen space. The Strategy has the objective of positioning hydrogen both as a driver for low-carbon economic growth and as a core component of Canada's path to net-zero emissions by 2050. The full Strategy can be viewed here.
The launch of the Strategy follows Friday's publication of a renewed federal Climate Plan, which includes a commitment to fund a $1.5 billion Low-Carbon and Zero-Emissions Fuels Fund. This new funding stream was framed as a vehicle to increase the production and use of low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen. The Clean Fuel Standard, a regulatory framework currently under development, may also provide opportunities to grow Canada's developing hydrogen sector.
The Strategy's vision is to position Canada amongst the top three clean hydrogen producers in the world, creating up to 350,000 new jobs in Canada by 2050. The Strategy further notes that if Canada seizes the opportunities for hydrogen, by 2050 the country could:
Looking to the months and years ahead, the Strategy makes 32 recommendations across the eight pillars of the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. Together, the recommendations aim to spur investment and partnerships to establish Canada as a global hydrogen supplier, increase domestic production, and transform Canada's energy sector.
The eight pillars of the plan are summarized below.
Throughout the Strategy implementation, the government notes that it will consult with key stakeholders, including businesses. Also supporting the government's aims will be the roll-out of the $1.5 billion Low-Carbon and Zero-Emissions Fuels Fund and possibly other federal funding support programs.
As this consultation moves forward, and as the details of the Strategy begin rolling out, let Sussex help connect you with the right people in government to help your organization get through these extraordinary times.
Please reach out to your Sussex representative directly or to a member of the Federal or E&E Government Relations Teams.