Modelling hydrogen’s potential across multiple sectors of the Canadian economy and Biennial Hydrogen Strategy Report for Canada

NRCan’s 2021 Hydrogen Strategy aimed to develop a strategy that will set Canada on the path to meet net-zero 2050 climate goals and position Canada as a world-leading producer, user, and exporter of clean hydrogen, and associated technologies. NRCan is required to provide a progress report for the Hydrogen Strategy every two years, and to advise and develop broader Government of Canada actions related to hydrogen. Updated modelling is part of the Hydrogen Strategy Implementation Progress Report to capture the evolution of opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen production. Advancements in technologies combined with more stringent climate objectives and policies of Federal and Provincial/Territorial governments and increased ambition from the private sector and municipal governments may lead to more potential for hydrogen uptake, but uncertainty remains on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of hydrogen and other low carbon solutions.

ESMIA was contracted to provide updated modelling that will help governments and the private sector explore their potential contributions to advancing the hydrogen strategy. The updated modelling was performed after a detailed review of the research approach and assumptions made in previous modelling. An open dialogue on the research pathways with multiple stakeholders across Canada was performed, and engaging, clear presentations, reports, and results were presented.