UBC Unveils $23 Million Smart Hydrogen Energy District
Key Ideas
- UBC launched a $23 million Smart Hydrogen Energy District combining hydro, solar, and hydrogen energy, featuring the province's first hydrogen fuelling station for light and heavy duty vehicles.
- The Smart Hydrogen Energy District aims to support CleanBC goals and position British Columbia as a global leader in the hydrogen economy, providing research and learning opportunities.
- Hydrogen is highlighted as a crucial element in Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy, acting as a bridge between renewable electricity and sustainable energy services within interconnected networks.
- The centre's funding of $23 million includes contributions from the province to promote low-carbon energy initiatives and advance clean transportation options.
The University of British Columbia unveiled a new $23 million Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) at its Point Grey campus in Vancouver. This district integrates hydro, solar, and hydrogen energy sources into a unified micro-grid, housing the province's first hydrogen fuelling station for light and heavy duty vehicles. The initiative, supported by Energy Minister Josie Osborne, is seen as a significant step towards achieving CleanBC goals and establishing British Columbia as a global leader in the hydrogen economy. Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, UBC's president, and Dr. Walter Mérida, SHED research lead, emphasized the role of hydrogen in transitioning to a low-carbon economy and its potential as an intermediary between renewable electricity and sustainable energy services. The centre's rooftop solar array powers the hydrogen fuelling station and electric vehicle charging stations, showcasing a commitment to renewable energy practices. This project's funding, totaling $23 million, includes a substantial contribution from the province, highlighting a commitment to promoting low-carbon energy initiatives and advancing clean transportation options.