The Calgary region is taking a major step towards securing its future in the emerging low-carbon global economy with the launch of the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub (CRH2).
Managed by the Transition Accelerator, the hub builds on the region's strengths as Canada's energy capital to drive investment, create jobs, and position the region at the forefront of the clean hydrogen sector.
As the world's major economies race to establish competitive low and non-emitting industries, hydrogen is widely expected to play a growing role in powering the future economy. With the Calgary region's workforce, growing ecosystem, and strategic location as an inland port for Western Canada, the region will play role in the global hydrogen market, which is projected to grow to CAN$700 billion annually by mid-century.
To seize this opportunity, CRH2 will aggregate demand for hydrogen at scale as an economically sustainable fuel source by enabling collaboration between Alberta's existing hydrogen producers and the businesses and facilities that will act as demand centres for hydrogen consumption. The hub will bring together experts across industries with early potential to anchor a self-sustaining hydrogen economy, working closely with industry partners to coordinate research and initiatives, facilitate application of hydrogen solutions, and overcome barriers to hydrogen development.
The CRH2 will also serve as a point of connection for Calgary's hydrogen ecosystem, sharing insights, analytics, and inspiration to provide the region with a competitive edge. With an initial focus on airports, heat and power, hydrogen corridors, industrial and municipal fleets and trains, the initiative aims to generate significant private-sector project development – projected at up to CAN$75 million – and create over 100 skilled jobs.
While the announcement marks the launch of CRH2, the initiative is the result of more than two years of strategic coordination between government, community, and private partners with a shared vision for a hydrogen fuel future in the Calgary region. Building on the model of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub and aligning with the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada and Alberta's Hydrogen Roadmap, the CRH2 represents a coordinated effort to support a prosperous future for the city and the region in a world moving to low carbon energy.
The CRH2’s initial membership includes Calgary Economic Development, the Transition Accelerator, and Wheatland County, with over CAN$3 million in funding from Alberta Innovates, Calgary Economic Development, the City of Calgary, and Prairies Economic Development Canada. This initiative is also integral to Calgary's climate strategy, which targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 60% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.