Investment from FortisBC aids low-carbon developments at UBCO

Fortis Energy Inc. (FortisBC) is supporting the project, helping the university drive hydrogen energy research. FortisBC hopes to understand how hydrogen can be blended into its gas supply, allowing this renewable and low-carbon gas to play a role in meeting the energy needs of homes and businesses, while supporting British Columbia’s climate action plan.

The H2Lab, located in UBCO’s Innovation Precinct, was made possible by CAN$2.3 million in funding by the University of British Columbia, bolstered by CAN$500 000 in research funding by FortisBC and another CAN$800 000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The space was more than five years in the making and measures 2000 ft2.

According to Dr Will Hughes, Director of UBCO’s School of Engineering, the H2Lab is an investment that not only elevates UBCO’s research and provides educational opportunities for students, but is a facility that can bring long-term positive impact for industry in the region.

“The H2Lab is a space for clean energy research to occur right here in the Okanagan,” said Dr Hughes. “These developments do not happen in a vacuum – it takes collaboration. We are deeply grateful to FortisBC for their support of the research already going on in the lab. We view this lab as a hub for academia and industry to work together to advance low-carbon energy knowledge, testing, techniques, and infrastructure.”

"Through research, FortisBC is taking steps to help reduce emissions while meeting the energy needs of homes and businesses across our province,” added Dawn Mehrer, Vice President of Corporate Services and Technology at FortisBC. “Our collaboration with UBCO and their research at the H2Lab is a key part of this journey. Together, we are exploring how hydrogen can be integrated safely and effectively into our gas system, and the insights we are gaining will play a vital role in shaping the future of low-carbon energy, including hydrogen blending with natural gas to reduce emissions even further."

UBCO and FortisBC representatives have toured the lab for the first time since it was in operation. Research was also on display from Dr Dimitry Sediako’s colleagues – Dr Joshua Brinkerhoff, Dr Sina Kheirkhah, and Dr Sunny Li who are all furthering hydrogen research with their teams at UBCO. One of the UBC engineering researchers who is already at work in the lab is Dr Sediako, who also leads UBCO’s High Performance Powertrain Materials lab. Dr Sediako and his team are currently exploring the effects of hydrogen and hydrogen-enriched natural gas on existing infrastructure. “We are so lucky to partner with FortisBC, as we work to advance hydrogen testing and technology at UBCO,” commented Dr Sediako. “Hydrogen gas has applications for so many industries and sectors, so being able to test materials and techniques is critically important as we work toward wider adoption.” Dr Sediako points out that while many people have heard of hydrogen being explored for usage in the energy sector and other industries, there are still many misconceptions around its safety and deployment. Among other applications, this lab will work to study possible issues with the hope of one day having hydrogen safely and reliably delivered through existing gas infrastructure.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/04032025/investment-from-fortisbc-aids-low-carbon-developments-at-ubco/