Hydrogen & Fuel Cells

Hydrogen and fuel cells are able to produce electricity with zero emissions. They are flexible in size, power density and application. These technologies present enormous environmental and sustainable energy benefits for the world. Canada is one of the world’s largest per capita producers of hydrogen and a global leader in these technologies making hydrogen and fuel cells an ideal energy option for our country.

Many Canadian advances are being made in the transportation and materials handling sectors. Examples include: hydrogen fuelling stations and vehicles such as forklifts, airport baggage-tuggers, personal vehicles and shuttle buses. Other markets are working towards different applications for the technologies including: micro fuel cells/portable applications (e.g. laptops, flashlights and cellular phones) and stationary applications (e.g. off-grid and backup power for computers and buildings). Advancements in the hydrogen infrastructure are also evolving (e.g. waste hydrogen capture and purification, production, distribution and storage).

Since the early 1980s, many advancements in Canadian hydrogen and fuel cell technology have been made. Current efforts in research and development (R&D) are continuing to progress this alternative energy option so that it is affordable and available to consumers.

CanmetENERGY manages the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program. Most of the work is contracted out to Canadian industry, research organizations and universities. We also have an in-house laboratory facility. Our work aims to involve industry at an early stage. This early involvement helps to ensure the likelihood of successful paths to market practical hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Consortia, which represent the developer and end user, as well as other co-funders, are actively sought for any project. All projects supported by Natural Resources Canada are co-funded and/or benefit from “in-kind” contributions.

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program actively participates in the Hydrogen  and Advanced Fuel Cells  Implementing Agreements of the International Energy Agency as well as in the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy .
To find out more about Hydrogen and Fuel Cells visit the Transportation links page.