Hydrogen Safety & Jobs
Hydrogen has similar risks to natural gas and must be treated with similar care, but we have the technology to use both natural gas and hydrogen safely – and because hydrogen doesn’t contain carbon dioxide, there is no risk at all of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Home Hydrogen Safety
-
Hydrogen in Alberta
Expanding the use of hydrogen to heat homes and businesses is included as a goal in Alberta’s Hydrogen Roadmap. In February 2023, the Alberta Hydrogen Centre of Excellence awarded $20 million in funding to 18 different hydrogen innovation projects, including Qualico and ATCO’s work on Home Hydrogen. ATCO is also opening a 100% hydrogen-heated Energy Discovery Centre in Fort Saskatchewan.
-
Hydrogen in Canada
The Government of Canada has also thoroughly investigated hydrogen through the Canadian Standards Association. The Government of Canada released its Hydrogen Strategy for Canada in December 2020 and has created its own incentives to accelerate hydrogen projects. Utility companies across the country have begun conducting research and pilot projects related to hydrogen delivery.
-
Hydrogen Globally
Several communities around the world – such as Lochem in the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore and Honolulu – already use pure hydrogen or a hydrogen/natural gas blend safely for residential heating. There are also residential hydrogen pilot projects underway in Markham, Ontario and the United Kingdom.
In June 2023, the multinational consulting firm Deloitte estimated that the global hydrogen economy will exceed the value of the natural gas trade by 2030. The same report predicts that by 2050, the global hydrogen economy will be worth 1.4 trillion USD.
Alberta can and should be a big player in this emerging economy. To maintain the province’s position as a leader in the energy sector, it is crucial to evolve alongside that sector and demonstrate early success in hydrogen innovation. In developing its Hydrogen Roadmap, the Government of Alberta demonstrated that it understands this opportunity.
Job Growth & Economy
Calgary-based company Gradient Thermal created the hydrogen-fueled heating appliance that will be used in the Bremner community. This is just the beginning of a potential made-in-Alberta hydrogen appliance industry that could create good jobs for thousands of Albertans in appliance design and manufacturing. In addition to its flagship accomplishments in energy, Alberta has long been a leader in technology and innovation.
Expanding Alberta’s hydrogen economy will also lead to more jobs in hydrogen production, which would require minimal additional training for current oil and gas workers who want to keep building their careers in the energy industry.
