Alberta's newly minted Energy Minister and the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane, Pete Guthrie is praising the $161.5 million in funding for Alberta's hydrogen sector from the Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program (APIP).

“Alberta’s hydrogen sector is growing rapidly, with more and more hydrogen-powered projects coming online over the coming years. With more than $161 million in funding for Air Products’ clean hydrogen facility, we are creating jobs, growing the energy sector and bringing clean hydrogen to customers across Western Canada," Guthrie stated in a press release.

The grant, which will be spread out over three years will go towards supporting the $1.6-billion Air Products’ new natural gas to hydrogen production facility, which will be established, northeast of Edmonton. Though the facility has yet to be built, with construction poised to start soon; however, when it is completed in late 2024, the facility is expected to produce more than 165 million standard cubic feet of hydrogen per day. It is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 30 permanent jobs once operational.

The facility is designed to produce clean hydrogen using advanced natural gas conversion techniques and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology to permanently store the resulting carbon dioxide.

Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and CEO, of Air Products stated that this announcement from the province represents what he sees as visionary leadership and shows what is possible when effective collaboration and governmental support align to drive the energy transition.

"From the beginning, Air Products has truly and sincerely appreciated the partnership of the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, as well as the continued support of the City of Edmonton, in welcoming this visionary clean energy complex to Alberta. This facility will be a first mover in helping to decarbonize mobility and industrial markets."

Alberta's Premier echoed Guthrie's sentiments saying that Alberta is Canada’s hydrogen powerhouse and projects like this one will create jobs, diversify the economy and build additional clean energy capacity for use across Western Canada.

"With such a huge attachment in the hydrogen market, our government’s Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program is making us the most attractive jurisdiction for companies looking to invest in hydrogen. Alberta’s economy will continue to charge ahead full steam with an investment climate that encourages businesses to grow and fuel job growth," Premier Smith said. 

According to the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, Alberta’s chemicals sector, comprised predominantly of petrochemicals, was valued at $15.9 billion and employed about 35,605 people directly and indirectly in 2021. Hydrogen is expected to be a $2.5-trillion to $11-trillion global industry by 2050 and by the estimations of The Alberta Industrial Heartland Association, the province's petrochemical industry could attract $30 billion in total investments between 2020 and 2030.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com