UBC Unveils $23 Million Smart Hydrogen Hub with Solar Power Integration
Key Ideas
  • UBC's Smart Hydrogen Energy District utilizes solar power and machine learning to optimize clean energy use, showcasing innovation in sustainable technology.
  • The project aims to integrate energy, transportation, and design to support CleanBC goals and establish British Columbia as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.
  • Funded by provincial and federal governments, the $23 million initiative includes solar panels, an electrolyzer for green hydrogen production, large-scale battery storage, and a hydrogen fueling station for vehicles.
  • Through the project, UBC aims to transform parking facilities into power plants utilizing solar energy, with a focus on enhancing energy efficiencies and exploring opportunities for grid interaction.
The University of British Columbia has introduced a groundbreaking $23 million Smart Hydrogen Energy District known as SHED, which incorporates solar power to charge electric vehicles and manufacture green hydrogen. The project, located at the intersection of Westbrook Mall and Thunderbird Boulevard in Vancouver, is a demonstration of UBC's commitment to clean energy innovation and sustainability. Led by UBC professor Walter Merida, the initiative aims to revolutionize the traditional approach to energy systems by integrating various assets like renewable energy sources, transportation, and design. The SHED project involves the deployment of solar panels on a covered parkade, an electrolyzer for green hydrogen generation, significant battery storage capacity, and a hydrogen fueling station for fuel cell vehicles. By utilizing the solar power produced on-site and BC Hydro electricity, the electrolyzer can produce approximately 65 kilograms of green hydrogen daily, supporting the fueling needs of hydrogen cars and trucks. Merida highlights the potential of parking structures and vehicles as valuable assets, emphasizing the role of electric vehicles in providing battery storage and grid services. The project's innovation extends to the digital realm through the integration of UBC's 5G network, enabling the creation of a digital twin of the energy district. This digital model leverages real-time data and machine learning algorithms to optimize energy efficiencies by determining optimal charging times, grid interactions, and hydrogen production. The financial support for this ambitious project comes from various sources, including the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, the Government of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the BC Knowledge Development Fund, and HTEC. Through SHED, UBC aims to drive advancements in energy technology, contribute to CleanBC objectives, and position British Columbia as a frontrunner in sustainable energy solutions.
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