Prime Highlights:
UBCO opens a state-of-the-art hydrogen research facility, one of the most advanced in North America, aimed at advancing hydrogen energy innovation.
FortisBC is supporting the project, contributing to research on blending hydrogen into the gas supply to help meet B.C.’s climate action goals.
Key Background:
The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) has launched one of North America’s most advanced hydrogen research facilities, the H2LAB, with support from FortisBC Energy Inc. This collaboration aims to drive innovation in hydrogen energy, with the potential to blend hydrogen into the existing gas supply, helping meet the energy demands of homes and businesses while supporting B.C.’s climate action goals.
Located in UBCO’s Innovation Precinct, the H2LAB spans 2,000 square feet and was developed with $2.3 million in funding from UBC, supplemented by $500,000 from FortisBC and $800,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Dr. Will Hughes, director of UBCO’s School of Engineering, emphasized that the lab is an investment in research, education, and industry collaboration, with a long-term positive impact for the region and beyond.
FortisBC is a leader in low-carbon energy solutions, having pioneered a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program over 15 years ago. The company is now exploring hydrogen integration into its gas system as part of its broader effort to reduce carbon emissions. Dawn Mehrer, vice president of corporate services and technology at FortisBC, noted that the partnership with UBCO is crucial to exploring how hydrogen can be safely blended with natural gas to further reduce emissions.
Dr. Dimitry Sediako and his colleagues at UBCO are already researching hydrogen’s impact on existing infrastructure, aiming to address safety concerns and optimize its use across industries. The H2LAB is positioned as a hub for academia and industry to collaborate on advancing hydrogen technology, with Dr. Hughes inviting other stakeholders to join in this pioneering work.
