Strategic directions for hydrogen energy in British Columbia

Hydrogen energy is projected to become increasingly important in the coming decades, but most hydrogen is produced by processes that are emission intensive. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy resources and has no emissions. B.C. has a comparative advantage in the hydrogen sector due to its cluster of hydrogen and fuel cell firms and abundance of renewable energy resources. By concentrating policy efforts on green hydrogen production, the province could position itself to become a competitive exporter to meet rising global demand with trade partners such as Japan. Through a literature review and multi-criteria analysis of policy options, this paper aims to assess options for B.C.'s strategic hydrogen policy approach in a competitive global context. This paper recommends building hybrid renewable energy plants and creating a public-private hydrogen cluster R&D initiative to focus sector growth on green hydrogen so the province can compete in the global hydrogen market.