Sep 27 2004
The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, today announced an investment of $7.1 million in three hydrogen and hydrogen-compatible technology demonstration projects. The Hydrogen Early Adopters (h2EA) program investments were announced during the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells 2004 Conference, taking place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel until September 28, 2004.
"We are working to ensure that the scientific and technological advances made possible through research and innovation translate into improved competitiveness and productivity across Canada," said Minister Emerson. "Investments made by Industry Canada programs like h2EA are forward thinking and identify tomorrow's key technologies today. They ensure Canada remains at the forefront of technological innovation."
The h2EA program has invested $935 000 in a project led by Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd. of Kingston, Ontario, that will demonstrate residential heating and power generation using four solid oxide fuel cells within a townhouse-style student residence at the University of Toronto at Mississauga.
A $2-million investment in a project led by Ballard Power Systems of Burnaby, British Columbia, will involve the use of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell-based uninterruptible power supply back-up systems in three distinct real-world settings: an industrial/commercial mixed use building setting; a telecommunications industry switching station; and in server rooms as a back-up power solution for uninterruptible power supplies.
Finally, a $4.2-million h2EA investment in a project led by Hydrogenics Corporation of Mississauga, Ontario, will be used to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell solutions for transportation. These demonstrations will include hydrogen-powered delivery and utility vehicles, a hydrogen production and refuelling facility at the Canadian National Exhibition, and the further development of on-board and off-board monitoring and diagnostic tools.
"This support enables companies to collaborate in the advancement of real-world applications for innovative technologies that can benefit us as individual organizations, as an industry, and as Canadians," said Pierre Rivard, Chairman of the Board of Fuel Cells Canada and President of Hydrogenics Corporation. "By helping to create an environment of cooperation, these investments will help to reinforce Canada's pre-eminent role in developing and applying hydrogen and hydrogen-compatible technologies in the years to come."
The Government of Canada is committed to the vision of a hydrogen economy, and is working in partnership with hydrogen industry stakeholders to foster the development and early introduction into the Canadian marketplace of technologies that support this vision - technologies such as fuel cells and those used to produce, store and distribute hydrogen. As part of this commitment, the Technology Partnerships Canada h2EA program encourages Canadian industries to take the lead in demonstrating existing technologies in real-world applications, thus accelerating the market acceptance of hydrogen and hydrogen-compatible technologies with broad environmental, economic and social benefits for all Canadians.
The TPC h2EA program is intended to accelerate the market adoption of hydrogen and hydrogen-compatible technologies in Canada through the funding of demonstration projects led by consortia of industry leaders. The h2EA program showcases working models of hydrogen and hydrogen-compatible technologies in real-world settings, in order to promote awareness and acceptance of the immense potential of a hydrogen economy for industry and for Canadians.
For more information on fuel cells, click here.