Wheatland County is joining the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub to become a player in the low-carbon global economy.
“Wheatland County is helping chart a path of energy diversification by leveraging its strategic location and resources to support hydrogen technology innovations within Alberta," said Amber Link, reeve of Wheatland County.
According to the release, hydrogen is expected to be an important cog in the wheel of the future economy.
"Managed by the Transition Accelerator, the innovation hub builds on the region’s strengths as Canada’s energy capital to drive investment, create jobs, and position the region at the forefront of the clean hydrogen sector," mentioned Calgary Economic Development.
"To seize this opportunity, CRH2 will aggregate demand for hydrogen at scale as an economically sustainable fuel source by enabling collaboration between Alberta’s existing hydrogen producers and the businesses and facilities that will act as demand centres for hydrogen consumption."
The initial focus will be on heat and power, airports, hydrogen corridors, industrial and municipal fleets, and trains.
Private sector development is anticipated to hit $75 million and bring in over 100 skilled jobs.
Calgary Economic Development, the Transition Accelerator, and Wheatland County are currently part of the group. The initiative has received $3 million in funding from Alberta Innovates, Calgary Economic Development, the City of Calgary, and Prairies Economic Development Canada.
The program is targeting greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 20230 and net-zero emissions by 2050.