Ottawa, Ontario, February 6, 2025 – the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub (The Hub) and Mitsui & Co. (Canada) Ltd. (“Mitsui Canada”) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in establishing the Edmonton Region as a leading center for the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen in Canada and beyond.

Objective of the Collaboration

The Parties aim to leverage Alberta’s significant natural resources, existing infrastructure, and energy industry expertise to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy through hydrogen initiatives. The collaboration will focus on scaling the production of clean hydrogen, developing essential infrastructure for hydrogen transportation, storage, and distribution, and designing frameworks that contribute to building a sustainable hydrogen economy. Additionally, it will establish global partnerships to integrate innovative technologies and promote hydrogen use across multiple sectors, including transportation, industrial processes, and next-generation green utility solutions. By doing so, the MoU seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local economic growth, and position Alberta as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.

Quotes

“The Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub is honoured to collaborate with Mitsui Canada, who is closely working with Mitsui HQ, a global leader in building hydrogen supply chains and advancing hydrogen technologies.

This MoU marks a significant milestone for the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, strengthening the foundation laid by the Edmonton International Airport in establishing this partnership. By working with Mitsui Canada, a global energy innovator, we are well-positioned to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure—supporting both production and transportation—while promoting its adoption across key sectors, from transportation to industrial applications.

This MoU reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, creating opportunities to integrate global expertise with local strengths. Together, we are driving the transition to a low-carbon future, positioning the Edmonton Region as a leader in hydrogen development in Canada and beyond.”

–  Brent Lakeman, Executive Director, Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub

‍

“We are delighted to enter into this Memorandum of Understanding with the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our commitment to addressing social challenges through practical and impactful solutions. By leveraging Alberta’s abundant natural resources and our expertise in global energy markets, we aim to drive innovation and sustainability in hydrogen production and infrastructure development in the Edmonton Region.

Edmonton is a unique region for hydrogen initiatives. Unlike other regions, Edmonton offers a distinctive combination of competitive natural resources, existing infrastructure, highly talented human capital and a strong energy industry foundation. This makes it an ideal location for pioneering hydrogen technologies and solutions.

This partnership underscores our dedication to fostering a low-carbon economy and aligns with our broader goals of environmental stewardship and economic growth. We are committed to implementing realistic solutions that advance hydrogen technology, while contributing to the well-being of our communities and the environment.

Together, we will build a dynamic hydrogen ecosystem that not only benefits the Edmonton Region but also sets a precedent for hydrogen initiatives worldwide. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub and other stakeholders to materialize the full potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution.“

– Takeshi Mitsui, President of Mitsui Canada 

About the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub (The Hub)

The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB is a collaborative initiative dedicated to advancing a thriving hydrogen economy in the Edmonton Region and beyond. Bringing together municipalities, industry, and associations, the HUB focuses on building a robust hydrogen value chain through collaboration, system integration, and policy advocacy. Leveraging the region’s world-class hydrogen production facilities and strategic infrastructure, the HUB drives innovation, promotes decarbonization, and stimulates economic growth, positioning the Edmonton region as a global leader in sustainable hydrogen development.

About Mitsui Canada

Mitsui & Co. (Canada) Ltd. (“Mitsui Canada”) is the wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio covering a wide range of industries. The company identifies, develops, and grows its businesses in partnership with a global network of trusted partners including world leading companies, combining its geographic and cross-industry strengths to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.  

For more information please visit: www.mitsui.com/ca 

‍

Originally published on Edmonton Global

‍

The Manufacturing for Hydrogen Symposium on February 5, 2025, brought together leaders from across the Edmonton Region’s hydrogen ecosystem to showcase the growing opportunities for the manufacturing companies in the hydrogen sector.

Throughout the half-day program, speakers explored the connection between local manufacturers and the clean energy economy and how Edmonton Region businesses can take advantage of business opportunities in the hydrogen economy.  

From hydrogen production to demand creation, supply chain challenges, and workforce development, the manufacturing sector can fill gaps in Canada’s clean energy transition and turn a profit while they do it.

Utilizing Solid Carbon: Innovations in manufacturing and supply

The first panel, “Utilizing Solid Carbon: Innovations in Manufacturing and Supply” featured Chris Bayley, P. Eng., Chief Project Officer for Innova Cleantech Corp., Erin Mulrooney, Corporate Strategy Associate for Aurora Hydrogen, and Tyler Anderson, Owner of 3D Printersaur.  

The discussion focused on methane pyrolysis, a process that produces hydrogen while generating solid carbon instead of CO2 emissions.  

Erin noted that carbon is a very big part of the story, and depending on the type of methane pyrolysis technology used, there is a variety of types of solid carbon that can be developed. One example is carbon sand, which is a byproduct of the process used by local hydrogen producer, Aurora Hydrogen.  

It was also noted that with the sheer volume of solid carbon produced through hydrogen production (three kilograms of solid carbon per kilogram of hydrogen), there is almost limitless opportunity for applications across sectors. Examples include using solid carbon for things like soil amendments, battery anodes, construction materials, cement, steel, and composites. Tyler noted that 3D Printersaur is in the process of exploring its application in 3D printing.  

A major barrier identified was the lack of policy support for methane pyrolysis.  

Historically, government incentives focused on green and blue hydrogen, excluding methane pyrolysis from federal investment credits. However, its recent inclusion in the Federal Clean Economy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) marks a step toward technology-agnostic policy, a principle that Chris Bayley stressed as essential for market-driven hydrogen innovation.

Manufacturing’s role in driving demand

The second panel, “A Manufacturer’s Role in Driving Demand” featured Rebecca Goldsack, COO of Diesel Tech Industries and Chair of Hydrogen Alberta, Nolan Callander, Business Development Specialist for Argus, and Bob Blatter, Director and CEO of Cariboo Clean Fuels and Chair of Hydrogen B.C.  

The panelists emphasized how manufacturers must take a strategic approach to hydrogen adoption, highlighting the need for collaboration, innovation, and infrastructure development. The panelists shared how companies in the hydrogen ecosystem differ from those in the traditional energy sector which tend to be highly competitive. Rather, companies are focused on developing solutions and accelerating adoption through a collaborative approach.

A key takeaway was the need to balance immediate cost-effective solutions with long-term advancements. Examples like Diesel Tech Industries’ dual-fuel trucks and the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge demonstrate how collaborative projects can accelerate hydrogen adoption. The panel also highlighted the importance of creating hydrogen hubs along key corridors, such as Western Canada’s Hydrogen Highway, to simultaneously develop supply and demand — addressing the “chicken or the egg” question.

Manufacturing within the hydrogen economy

The final panel, “Manufacturing Within the Hydrogen Economy” featured André McDonald PhD, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta and Scott McNeil-Smith, Vice President, Manufacturing Sector Performance for Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC).  

Panelists emphasized the importance of understanding hydrogen supply chain relationships and how they can influence costs — a key driver for manufacturers. They added that regulatory standards and policy must be a priority, as codes and policies must evolve alongside innovation. Panelists emphasized the need for industry to engage with policymakers and regulators to ensure that standards facilitate and motivate industry growth.  

Workforce development was also a major focus of the discussion, with panelists stressing that training and upskilling must be a joint effort between industry, government, and post-secondary institutions.  

André shared how the Alberta Advanced Manufacturing International Hub is working to address this challenge. Co-led by the University of Alberta and InnoTech Alberta, with funding from Alberta Innovates, this network of Alberta partners is working to advance manufacturing technologies, support innovation, and develop the local workforce.

Scott and André explained how emphasizing the hydrogen industry’s message around technology, workforce, and supply chain gaps can help manufacturers transition their processes for new markets, like hydrogen.

A new tool to visualize the hydrogen value chain

The event wrapped up with a demonstration of Edmonton Global’s hydrogen supply chain mapping tool, a new platform designed to map the hydrogen value chain across the Edmonton Region.  

The tool includes a searchable database of over 100 companies in the Edmonton Region’s hydrogen ecosystem, serving as a platform to connect businesses to new partnerships and revenue streams in the hydrogen market. Manufacturers entering the hydrogen economy can use the tool to gain a comprehensive view of the hydrogen energy landscape, understand market dynamics, and identify areas for growth.

The path forward for hydrogen manufacturing

The Manufacturing for Hydrogen Symposium showcased the rapid evolution of hydrogen technologies and the vital role of manufacturing in scaling adoption.  

From solid carbon utilization and infrastructure development to workforce training and regulatory alignment, the discussions reinforced that collaboration and policy support will be key in positioning Alberta — and Canada — as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.

To continue the conversation and explore the latest advancements in hydrogen, join industry leaders at the Canadian Hydrogen Convention. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of hydrogen. Register today.

‍

Published originally on Taproot Edmonton

‍

Brent Lakeman is being seconded from Edmonton Global to head the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB and shift that project into action mode.

“We call it an activation phase,” Lakeman, the HUB’s new executive director, who was the director of hydrogen initiative for Edmonton Global before the appointment, told Taproot. “We’ve done a lot of the techno-economic analysis. We understand the opportunities we have within the region. We’ve done some work in mobile transportation (and) heat and power opportunities. Now, we know we want to get moving on this.”

The HUB launched in 2021 as a joint project from municipalities and First Nations across the region, including founding chair and Sturgeon County mayor, Alanna Hnatiw. Its goal is to advance the hydrogen economy in the Edmonton region. Edmonton Global and The Transition Accelerator, an energy-transition think tank, were founding supporters. The HUB began with $2.25 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada (which has split into Prairies Economic Development Canada and an equivalent in British Columbia), Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, and Emissions Reduction Alberta.

Lakeman said the expectations and funding agreements from those original funders have been completed, and that the HUB is now shifting into its next phase. ”(We want to) really ground it in our economic development opportunities we have within the region,” he said.

What that means, Lakeman said, is that organizations including the Heartland Association and Edmonton Global will now drive the HUB — though just how the organization will be structured is not something he will share just yet. When it comes to activation, Lakeman said fuel cells for vehicles and new uses for hydrogen are things to keep on top of, but there’s an immediate opportunity for “companies that don’t always think of themselves as a hydrogen company” to be engaged.

“I think about what we’ve done, historically, in oil and gas and all that manufacturing and fabrication that goes on to support those projects,” he said. “Maybe we can be part of some of these emerging hydrogen opportunities. It’s not necessarily a dramatic pivot, in some cases, to start manufacturing equipment for these transportation systems that we might see, because we will be an early mover, and I think there’s maybe some early mover advantages to start getting our companies prepared.”

Manufacturing for the hydrogen industry was the focus of a recent symposium in Nisku, co-hosted by the HUB. Companies with existing work in hydrogen sent speakers. Among them were Aurora Hydrogen, which recently shared an update on a novel demo facility; Diesel Tech Industries, which showcased the world’s first Class 8 truck powered by cryo-compressed hydrogen with Verne in the fall; and Calgary’s Innova Clean Tech, which works on both hydrogen and graphite, and is building a pilot facility in Sturgeon County.

One ongoing project the HUB works on is the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge, which kicked off in 2023. Its goal is to get 5,000 hydrogen- or dual-fuel vehicles on the road in Western Canada by 2028. Lakeman doesn’t have an exact figure on the present number, but pointed to Air Products, which is building hydrogen refuelling stations along major transportation routes, as a sign of progress.

Not every refuelling station succeeds, however. Last March, the City of Edmonton scrapped its plans for one. That same month, the first commercial hydrogen refuelling station in Alberta opened at Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku, with funding from PrairiesCan and fuel provided by Nikola Corp.’s HYLA brand. However, on Feb. 19, Nikola filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a little over a year after its founder was sentenced to four years in prison in New York for fraud related to the company’s technology.

“We’re watching Nikola, we’re in communication with them,” Lakeman said. “At this point in time, I don’t think that that (Blackjacks) station is really being able to be operational, unfortunately.”

‍

Lakeman said he thinks the area surrounding Blackjacks is important because it includes the Edmonton International Airport and is part of the route between Edmonton and Calgary. However, he said he thinks there will be more hydrogen activity in the area in the future.

Speaking of the airport, it already has its own hydrogen refuelling station and a fleet of at least 100 Toyota Mirais, a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle that Toyota called the first of its kind in 2015.

The Mirai has been criticized, primarily, because its drivers have difficulty accessing and affording hydrogen to power it, as a class-action suit in California claims. Additionally, 120 scientists, academics, and engineers urged the organizers of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics to refuse the Mirais Toyota supplied because, they alleged, the car’s emissions claims aren’t realistic for consumer use. Toyota has also endured critiques for its climate lobbying.

“The Mirai gets attention because it is, I think, the most commonly sold hydrogen vehicle out there,” Lakeman said. “California’s had both some positives and some challenges with their fuel supplies over the past several years, so that’s triggered a little bit of commentary around the Mirai, but I don’t think it’s specific to that vehicle.”

In the last year, Toyota has announced a new version of its fuel-cell stack and rebranded a research and development office in California as its “hydrogen headquarters.”

Lakeman said other hydrogen vehicles show promise. Hyundai’s Nexo SUV and Honda’s plug-in hydrogen CR-V are more recent entries to the market. On a business trip to London, England, Lakeman was intrigued by a Toyota pickup prototype that uses hydrogen.

“I get companies telling me, ‘We would love to buy a hydrogen fuel-cell pickup truck, if one is offered,’” he said. “There’s a lot of fleets with pickup trucks (in Alberta). They’re all white, so maybe we can start to have a turquoise-coloured pickup truck out there to show (off) hydrogen ones?”

Lakeman’s appointment to the HUB isn’t the only hydrogen news from the region this month. Edmonton Global demonstrated its hydrogen supply chain mapping tool during the manufacturing event, and the HUB has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsui Canada to collaborate on the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen “in Canada and beyond.”

In April, the Canadian Hydrogen Convention will run its main program at the . It will include a technical track, a strategic track, an exhibition, and more. Lakeman is among the scheduled speakers.

‍

‍