VANCOUVER, BC, March 3, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada will grow a domestic hydrogen economy, providing economic and environmental benefits nationally, lowering emissions in sectors like transportation and positioning hydrogen as a key component of our net-zero future.
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $46,000 in funding to the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) to promote the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), such as short refuelling times that make them a great option for industries like busing and trucking.
This initiative will increase knowledge on hydrogen fuel cell technology across the municipal sector, equipping Canadian jurisdictions with the know-how to lower emissions across the transportation sector. The goal is to accelerate adoption of FCEVs by government and private sector fleets by raising awareness of the benefits of getting more of them on Canadian roads.
Federal funding for this initiative is through Natural Resources Canada's Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, supporting the government's goal of 100 percent zero-emission passenger vehicle sales by 2040. CHFCA is also investing in the project, bringing the total funding to $121,000.
Today's announcement complements existing Government of Canada programs facilitating greater zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) deployment, including $600 million for EV and alternative fuel infrastructure deployment, which has resulted in the deployment of eight hydrogen refuelling stations so far.
The government is providing incentives of up to $5,000 to increase affordability and accessibility for Canadian consumers to buy ZEVs, including fuel cell electric vehicles, and full tax write-offs for businesses purchasing them. The government's commitment to widespread ZEV deployment was re-affirmed in Canada's strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, through an additional $150 million for EV chargers and hydrogen stations, as well as an additional $287 million for purchasing incentives for Canadians.
Addressing gaps in knowledge and understanding of the benefits of hydrogen deployment is an important part of the recently released Hydrogen Strategy for Canada — a call to action to grow hydrogen opportunities across Canada and position us as a global hydrogen leader.
The government will continue to deliver on our commitments to foster greater ZEV deployment, creating good, middle-class jobs, advancing Canada's low-carbon future and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Quotes
"Canadians want greener options to get to where they need to go. We're giving it to them. This is how we get to net zero by 2050."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr.
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
"Fuel cell electric vehicles have a role to play in building our low-carbon future, which is why we are committed to ensuring Canadians have the information they need about greener options to make informed decisions when choosing their next vehicle. This investment will help create the more sustainable future Canadians want and deserve."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"Canada's municipalities are working to convert their buses, trains, trucks and fleet cars to zero-emission electric vehicles using Canada's world-leading fuel cell and battery technology. The CHFCA and member companies are grateful for the federal government's assistance in ensuring fleet managers and municipal governments have latest information about clean hydrogen supply and fuel cell electric vehicles to assist them in making the best choice for their citizens."
Mark Kirby, President and CEO
Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association
Related Links
- Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative
- Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Infrastructure
- Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
- Go Green With Electric Vehicles
- Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration Program
- Hydrogen Strategy for Canada
- Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, [email protected]; Claire Teichman, A/Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 604-679-5462, [email protected]
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