There are three methods of hydrogen production: grey, blue, and green. The differences between these methods don’t refer to differences in the hydrogen itself, but rather the differences in the methods used to produce it and the amount of carbon released in it’s production.
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Grey hydrogen is made using natural gas, splitting the natural gas into its core elements, namely hydrogen and carbon dioxide. In doing this, it produces hydrogen, but alongside the hydrogen it also releases carbon dioxide, which is a key greenhouse gas culpable for climate change.
Blue hydrogen is made in the same way as grey hydrogen – by splitting natural gas – but using carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) techniques to capture and store the emitted carbon emissions, thus making it net-zero.
Green hydrogen is made where there are no carbon emissions. Most commonly it is produced through electrolysis, a process where electricity is used to split water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen, the only byproducts of this kind of hydrogen production process. True green hydrogen also uses renewable sources as the energy source for electrolysis, ensuring no greenhouse gas emissions during the production of this kind of hydrogen.
Efficient hydrogen deployment relies on seamless integration of production, storage, transportation, refueling, and vehicle usage, with technology and infrastructure tailored for each stage.
Scaling the hydrogen economy requires addressing key factors in production, infrastructure, transportation, and water sourcing to ensure efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
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Adoption of low-carbon hydrogen depends on both technology maturity and sector alignment, with faster progress in established industries like ammonia and refining, while sectors like shipping face greater uncertainty and complexity.
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From vehicle refueling to aviation, Alberta is leading Canada’s shift towards zero-emission transportation solutions across industries.
Alberta is a key player in expanding Canada’s hydrogen refueling networks, alongside B.C., Québec, and Ontario. HTEC operates five stations in B.C., Alberta supports its first station for light and heavy-duty vehicles. New stations, including Air Products’ planned site along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, are further strengthening Alberta’s hydrogen infrastructure.
Pilot projects like CPKC’s hydrogen locomotive testing, or Québec’s Alstom Coradia iLint demonstrate the potential for hydrogen-powered trains, reducing diesel use. With refueling infrastructure already installed, rail companies in Alberta and B.C. are converting locomotives to run on hydrogen, supporting the transition to low-emission rail transport.
Alberta is at the forefront of integrating hydrogen into airport operations, with Edmonton International Airport converting its fleet vehicles to hydrogen. Additionally, DeHavilland and ZeroAvia are collaborating on hydrogen-powered aircraft, including Dash 8 planes, supporting aviation advancements.
Canadian ports are trialing hydrogen in port operations. Vancouver’s hydrogen projects and Montreal’s hydrogen-powered equipment pilots demonstrate the drive to decarbonize port activities
Alberta is at the forefront of Canada's hydrogen trucking initiatives, spearheading projects like the AZETEC fuel cell truck trials and Transport Canada’s Zero Emission Truck Testbed pilot. Additionally, dual fuel technologies are being developed in the region by companies such as Hydra, DTI, and IFS.
Canadian cities like Edmonton and Winnipeg are leading hydrogen bus pilots, where fuel cell and dual fuel buses deliver consistent range year-round, with additional bus trials and conversions planned in multiple cities.
With strong production capacity, government support, and industry expertise, Alberta is positioned as a leader in hydrogen manufacturing and innovation, paving the way for continued growth and global competitiveness in the sector.
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FCEV technology is the most commercially mature hydrogen propulsion technology with on-going pilots in Alberta, and globally across various vehicle classes.
Hydrogen combustion engines are currently being prototyped and have the potential to be used in heavy-duty applications which have severe duty cycles requiring large energy demands and long operational hours.
Hydrogen dual fuel technology can be an important bridge technology allowing diesel truck and bus operators to reduce emissions while maintaining existing assets and operations.
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Older diesel vehicles emit a larger share of total greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutants with impact on public health.
Why is this important?
- Modern diesel trucks have made significant improvements in reducing their emissions; however, older diesel trucks still disproportionately contribute a significant amount of emission in the road-transportation sector affecting both the environment, air quality, and public health
- In a study conducted in New York City, pre- 2007 diesel engines contributed 64-83%of tailpipe emissions while only making up a total share of 6-10% of the fleet.
Trucks should travel long and predictable routes.
Why is this important?
- FCEV scan refuel in 10 – 20 minutes allowing a truck to make a quick fuel stop on along route.
- Due to the lack of infrastructure in the province, potential candidates for hydrogen vehicles should travel on predictable routes where a fueling station is identified.
Trucks should be required to haul heavy payloads.
Why is this important?
- Fuel cell electric trucks (FCET) can haul similar payloads to diesel from a gross vehicle weight perspective, although certain design features of FCET’s may lower payload capacities.
- Hydrogen’s energy density is nearly three times diesel and gasoline. In a fuel cell, one kilogram of hydrogen contains nearly the same amount of energy as one gallon of diesel allowing hydrogen vehicles to haul comparable payloads to their diesel/gasoline counterparts.
Edmonton Global is located and operates in Amiskwaciwâskahikan on Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4.
We acknowledge this land as the traditional gathering place and centre for trade for many Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. We recognize that inclusivity is at the heart of sustainable growth and understand that Indigenous partnerships and voices must be at the forefront of the radical transformation of our region.
Edmonton Global is located and operates in Amiskwaciwâskahikan on Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4.
We acknowledge this land as the traditional gathering place and centre for trade for many Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. We recognize that inclusivity is at the heart of sustainable growth and understand that Indigenous partnerships and voices must be at the forefront of the radical transformation of our region.
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