B.C. government creates hydrogen office to woo energy investors

The government of British Columbiahas launched a new office to oversee the expansion of certain energy projects inthe province.

Premier John Horgan announced the creation of the B.C.Hydrogen Office during a Thursday press conference. He said it will act as a "one-stop shopping" spotfor hydrogen project investors looking to do business in the province. The plan is also for office staff to help streamline decisions on hydrogen projects and proposals.

There are currently 40 hydrogen projects proposed or under construction in B.C right now. According to the province, they represent $4.8 billion in proposed investment.

"Our government recognizes the importance hydrogen projects will have for our climate and British Columbia's economy," said Horgan in a statement."That's why we are taking steps to streamline the process to get these projects up and running as quickly as possible."

First in the country

In 2021, B.C.became the first province in Canada to release a comprehensive hydrogen strategy.

The strategy's immediate priorities, according to the province,include scaling up production of renewable hydrogen, establishing regional hydrogen hubs and deploying medium and heavy-duty fuel-cell vehicles.

Ravi Kahlon, minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, said the new office is akey pillar of the StrongerBC Economic Plan,which was designed to reduce carbon emissions while still growing the economy.

"In short, hydrogen development is the answer," said Kahlon.

In 2019, the province conducted a hydrogen study and said that by 2050, it could contribute $2.5 billion to B.C's annual gross domestic product and almost 4,000 new jobs.

The government also estimates the global hydrogen market willhit $305 billion by that date and wants to capitalize on the province's proximity to export markets.

More than half of Canada's hydrogen and fuel-cell companies are in B.C. and the province says hydrogenhas the potential to slashB.C.'s greenhouse gas emissions by 7.2 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalentper year by 2050.