The Canadian government is investing $2.3 million in the Alberta Zero-Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC) project.
Officials say the project will support a “clean energy future” that strengthens the economy, creates middle-class jobs and supports workers in natural resource sectors, all important goals as the country emerges from the pandemic.
The announcement was made by Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s minister of natural resources.
“Hydrogen’s moment has come, and Canada is leading the way. Using hydrogen in heavy-duty trucking will lower emissions, increase our competitiveness and drive clean economic growth,” O’Regan said. “This is how we get to net zero by 2050.”
The project is led by the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) in collaboration with partners Hydrogen Technology and Energy Corporation, Zen Clean Energy Solutions, Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research, Bison Transport, Trimac Transportation, Suncor Energy, Emissions Reduction Alberta, Dana, Ballard, HTEC and Freightliner.
AZETEC will validate the design, manufacture and operation of long-range hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for operation between Calgary and Edmonton.
Federal funding for AZETEC was provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Infrastructure—Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration Program, which aims to accelerate the market entry of next-generation clean energy technologies.
Emissions Reduction Alberta, Ballard Power Systems and Dana also invested in the AZETEC project, bringing the total funding to $9.2 million.
“AMTA is committed to helping lead Canada’s commercial transportation industry toward a zero-emission future,” said Chris Nash, AMTA president. “Electric vehicles and other emission reduction technologies are essential to this effort. The hydrogen fueling station will support AZETEC commercial trucks in providing access to hydrogen, which diversifies energy opportunities critical to our economic recovery and development.
“Programs like this also show investors that Alberta and Canada recognize the importance of reducing industry’s impact on the environment, and our commitment to building a sustainable, efficient, resilient and responsible supply chain.”
The AZETEC project addresses barriers to fuel-cell electric truck adoption by installing and testing a hydrogen fueling station for highway heavy-duty commercial fleet vehicles using real-world conditions, such as capabilities in climates that range from -40 degrees C to 40 degrees C, and the ability to refuel in 20 to 45 minutes.
By installing and testing cutting-edge technologies to support hydrogen heavy-duty trucks and hydrogen infrastructure, the AZETEC project seeks to lead the way toward decarbonizing the heavy-duty freight transportation sector. Fuel switching to hydrogen also is an important early opportunity outlined in the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada.
The announcement builds on recent global action to reduce emissions in the freight sector. As a co-lead of the Electric Vehicle Initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial, Canada joined seven other countries in establishing a global agreement to accelerate the manufacturing and adoption of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
The government is supporting innovative energy initiatives that will lower emissions, create healthier and cleaner communities and provide opportunities for economic development.