Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology

Supporting ecosystem

The region's hydrogen sector thrives with federal and provincial support, innovative research centers, and specialized talent. This ecosystem boosts renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production, drives research, and commercializes hydrogen technologies, positioning the region as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.

Investment in Hydrogen Firms Headquartered in the region

• B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE): An independent, not-for-profit incubator for the research and commercialization of clean energy solutions.
• Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA): A non-profit organization that fosters collaboration between industry, government, and academia, providing advocacy, research, and networking opportunities.
• Clean Energy Research Centre (UBC): Multidisciplinary research hub that focuses on research, training, development, and demonstrations to address climate change and sustainability.
• MITACS: A non-profit national research organization that connects firms with researchers and talent and offers financial support and expert guidance tohelp organizations with their innovation projects.
• SFU Clean Hydrogen Hub: A research and innovation centre focused on development and commercialization of hydrogen solutions.
• BC Research Inc.: An innovation centre specializing in the incubation and commercialization of novel technologies.
• Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED): A UBC research facility integrating solar, hydro, and hydrogen energy into a unified micro-grid.

Government financial and regulatory support

Funding streams and regulatory support are helping companies in the region create a cleaner tomorrow.

Provincial

• BC Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS): Provides financial incentives for low-carbon fuel use based on measurable greenhouse gas reductions.
• BC Hydrogen Strategy: Highlights 63 actions to pave the way for BC to be a world leader in the hydrogen economy by 2050, accelerating the production and use of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.
• Clean Energy and Major Projects Office: Serves as BC’s one-stop shop for hydrogen, streamlining the regulatory process and providing guidance for clean energy initiatives.
• Innovative Clean Energy (ICE): Supports the Province's energy, economic, environmental, and greenhouse gas reduction priorities. ICE has committed over $114 million since 2008 and continues to support projects that advance BC’s clean energy sector. In Spring 2024, it launched a 3-year, $12.3 million call for clean energy innovation.​

Provincial and federal

• Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED): Provides tax incentives to businesses to conduct R&D in BC and Canada that advances technological or scientific knowledge.

Federal

• Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit: A refundable tax credit of up to 40 per cent of investments in projects that produce hydrogen. The tax credit will be available for investments from 2023 to 2034.
• Canada Growth Fund (CGF): A $15 billion public fund dedicated to advancing Canada’s shift to a low-carbon economy and accelerate the deployment of clean technologies.
• Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR): A national clean fuel program that provides credits for using low-carbon fuels, advancing innovation, and fostering investment in clean energy.