Government of Canada Announces Support for World's Biggest Hydrogen Project

Apr 20, 2009 - Market Wire

Canada's expertise in putting clean energy technology to work for our economy and our environment will be displayed for millions of people from Canada and around the world at a new, one-of-a kind hydrogen demonstration project. The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, along with the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, launched the project today with partners at Montreal's Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport.

The Government of Canada is a major partner in the project, which will showcase a variety of applications for hydrogen energy technologies at the airport, including a new type of fuelling infrastructure. Among others, the 20 million people who pass through the airport each year will have the opportunity to ride hydrogen-powered shuttle buses, while airport employees will be using a number of hydrogen-powered utility vehicles, from pickup trucks to the tractors used to pull baggage trains.

"Investing in the development and demonstration of new, cleaner energy technologies is a priority for our Government," said Minister Raitt. "Our investment in this project provides economic stimulus today, and moves us closer to realizing the potential of these technologies to provide a healthier environment and high-quality jobs for Canadians in the years to come."

"This in an important project for Quebec which demonstrates its leadership in developing clean energy technologies," said Minister Paradis. "We are pleased to be investing in this hydrogen technology which will be on display for the world to see at Montreal's Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport."

The Government of Canada is contributing $2.4 million to the project through the ecoENERGY Technology Initiative. Other partners in the $11-million demonstration include Air Liquide Canada, and Quebec's Agence de l'efficacite energetique (AEE).

Using hydrogen as a carrier energy is a promising alternative fuel solution for motor vehicles. Used in a fuel cell, hydrogen combines with oxygen in the air to produce electricity to power the vehicle, with water as the only emission.

The $230-million ecoENERGY Technology Initiative was launched in 2007 to support the development of technologies to increase Canada's supply of clean energy; reduce energy waste; and reduce the environmental impact of the production and use of conventional energy. It is one of a series of ecoENERGY Initiatives through which the Government of Canada is investing a total of $3.6 billion to work with Canadians to increase production of cleaner energy and cleaner fuels; and increase energy efficiency.

These investments will increase under the Economic Action Plan for Canada set out in Budget 2009, which proposes a $300 million expansion of the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program, as well as a new, five-year, $1-billion Clean Energy Fund.

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media

Contacts: Natural Resources Canada - Ottawa Office of the Minister Jasmine MacDonnell Director of Communications 613-996-2007 Natural Resources Canada - Ottawa Media Relations 613-992-4447

SOURCE: Government of Canada