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[Edmonton Metropolitan Region – March 21, 2025] – The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB (ERH2) is excited to announce its relaunch. Building on the achievements of the first iteration of ERH2, the relaunch includes the announcement of a new governance structure and leadership. This next phase will be supported through funding from its new executive committee, which will include representation from:
- Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA)
- Edmonton Global
- Edmonton International Airport
- Alberta Innovates Hydrogen Centre of Excellence
The relaunch will allow ERH2 to further solidify the Edmonton Region as Canada’s leader in hydrogen innovation.
Brent Lakeman has been appointed as the new Executive Director. With extensive expertise in economic development and energy transition, Brent brings the leadership and strategic insight needed to propel the HUB into its next chapter. In his previous role, as Director of the Hydrogen Initiative with Edmonton Global, Brent has led several impactful initiatives to support the growth and development of the Edmonton Region’s hydrogen ecosystem, including:
- Establishing the Canadian Hydrogen Convention in Edmonton, North America’s largest hydrogen convention attracting approximately 10,000 attendees annually
- Launching the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge aimed at getting 5,000 hydrogen vehicles on the road in Western Canada within five years which has spurred additional investment into decarbonizing commercial transportation
- Supporting nearly $4 billion of investment into the Edmonton Region’s economy
“I’m thrilled to lead the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB into its next phase,” Brent Lakeman said. “Since its inception, the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub has been instrumental in laying the foundation for a thriving hydrogen economy in the Edmonton Region. By leveraging our regional strengths and fostering collaboration, we can continue to drive innovation and create significant economic and environmental benefits for the community and beyond”.
With provincial funding ending in January 2024, the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB is now transitioning to a regionally funded and governed initiative, signaling a commitment to long-term collaboration and sustainability. The HUB was first launched in 2021 with funding from the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada, and AIHA and with the leadership of the mayors from the municipalities that comprise Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. The founding members played a critical role in laying the groundwork for a strong regional hydrogen economy. Over the course of three years, it advanced key initiatives, built partnerships, and demonstrated the region’s potential to lead in hydrogen innovation.
Quotes:
"Alberta is emerging as a clear leader in the hydrogen sector. There is already enormous interest in Alberta’s hydrogen sector, with announcements from major international companies like Linde and Dow Chemical who are establishing hydrogen production projects in Alberta's industrial heartland. The relaunch of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB will help solidify the Edmonton region as Canada's leader in hydrogen innovation while driving economic growth here in Alberta."
– Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta
“The continued success of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub aligns with our commitment to hydrogen as a clean energy source that will grow and diversify our economy. We have the resources and expertise, and with ERH2 as a hub for innovation, we have the effective, collaborative leadership needed to realize our vision of making Alberta a hydrogen superpower.”
–Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
“The founding ERH2 partners were instrumental in bringing the hydrogen conversation into the mainstream. The next iteration of the HUB is strategically positioned to leverage these foundational partnerships and expand networks, ensuring continuous improvement and effective implementation across the Hydrogen value chain.”
—Mayor Hnatiw, Mayor of Sturgeon County and former Chair of ERH2
“The Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, with support of the four funding partners and with leadership from Brent Lakeman, is well-positioned to advance the hydrogen economy in the Edmonton region. This collaborative approach to development of the hydrogen ecosystem will elevate our value proposition and accelerate capital investments in the burgeoning hydrogen economy.”
—Mark Plamondon, Executive Director, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association
"The path to net-zero runs through the Edmonton Metro Region -- and collaboration is at the heart of our success. The relaunch of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB marks an exciting new chapter in the region’s leadership within the global hydrogen economy. By bringing together industry, government, and key stakeholders, the HUB is accelerating hydrogen adoption, investment, and innovation. This next phase reinforces our region’s commitment to leading not only Canada’s hydrogen future but also making a lasting impact on the world stage."
— Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global
“YEG has been a regional first-mover on hydrogen because we see the opportunity this fuel presents to support sustainability and economic growth in our region and beyond. By showing the high potential of hydrogen fuel technology, we’re paving the way for broader adoption. Our region has the natural resources, the infrastructure, and — most importantly — an incredible network of committed partners. That’s a powerful recipe for success.”
— Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
“Momentum is building behind the production, deployment and use of hydrogen in Alberta. The Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub is a leader in hydrogen innovation and is instrumental in developing the Edmonton region as a core component of Alberta’s hydrogen roadmap. The stakes are high with billions in investment and new export markets poised to be unlocked in the future. This relaunch will leverage regional strengths to ensure the Edmonton region continues to benefit from a hydrogen economy.”
— Bryan Helfenbaum, Vice President, Clean Energy, Alberta Innovates
“At ATCO, we see hydrogen as central to a resilient low-emission energy future. Our partnership with CPKC to develop hydrogen production and fueling facilities, along with our initiatives to blend hydrogen into natural gas networks and demonstrate its potential for pure hydrogen heating, underscores our commitment to innovation and emission reduction across the hydrogen ecosystem. We are pleased to support the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB as it enters this transformative phase, further solidifying Alberta's leadership in hydrogen production, transportation, and end use.”
– Greg Caldwell, Director of Policy and Advocacy, ATCO Energy Systems
“Air Products chose Edmonton to site our net-zero hydrogen energy complex, not only because of the region’s infrastructure, natural gas supply and geology for CCS, but because we also value the spirit of collaboration. The relaunched Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB brings that collaboration to life.”
— Rachel Smith, VP & General Manager, Air Products Canada
"For industry, this relaunch is a critical opportunity. We need clear policies, strong infrastructure, and a growing market to drive investment."
—Rebecca Goldsack, Chair of Hydrogen Alberta & COO, DTI
About Edmonton Region Hydrogen 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.
Media Contact:
Sherri Bouslama
Sr. Manager, Brand & Communications
780-996-1524
