Prince George has been identified by the provincial government as the ideal location for a regional “hydrogen hub” to produce and distribute hydrogen fuel for north-central B.C.
On Monday, city council approved entering into an agreement with the province to develop a case study report, investor resources and support engagement opportunities over the next two years – along with a final summary of lessons learned and recommendations for the future. Under the agreement, the B.C. government provided $150,000 to the city from the BC Hydrogen Strategy Implementation budget.
“We’ll be working to help start and grow the hydrogen sector,” city economic development manager Deklan Corstanje said. “It aligns with our existing economic development strategy already. It’s a new sector, it’s exciting.”
Hydra Energy is already looking to develop a hydrogen production and fuelling station in the city to sell fuel to converted transport trucks. Prince George’s location makes it well suited to deliver fuel to 70 per cent of the province, and nationally and internationally via rail, air and the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver, Corstanje added in his report to council.
Under the deal the province provides the funding for the project, while city staff will be responsible for managing it – with help and resources from the Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Energy Decarbonization, he added.
Coun. Cori Ramsay said she was glad to hear in the report that the provincial government would be bringing their expertise to support the project and not just “dropping the money and running.”
“I think this is an incredible opportunity, and anytime we can take the on something like this, it’s great,” Coun. Brian Skakun said.
