Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is committing to using its ecosystem and ESG leadership role to become a major driver of demand for hydrogen fuel and to open the airport as a new home for piloting emerging hydrogen technologies.
As part of the Canadian Hydrogen Convention held in Edmonton, EIA is announcing several new agreements with several multi-national and Canadian companies. These include agreements with global giants such as Mitsui and Toyota, multiple Canadian and Alberta companies, and an investment agency of the Government of Japan. Combined, these agreements will position EIA as a significant driver of demand for hydrogen fuel and supporting the growth of the Edmonton Hydrogen Hub.
“Today is an unbelievable day for our airport and region. We believe in a sustainable future, a future where technology and emerging energies will help us achieve carbon neutral status in the coming years," said Tom Ruth, president and CEO, Edmonton International Airport. "Beyond that, our Airport City Sustainability Campus can help create demand for hydrogen and offer real-world testing scenarios which will encourage private investment in the Edmonton Metro Region’s hydrogen industry.”
“Edmonton International Airport is a key transportation hub and a pivotal economic engine, not just for our city but for all of Western Canada. It is a leader in driving demand for hydrogen technologies, helping to make Edmonton a leader in the growing hydrogen economy," said Hon. Randy Boissonnault, minister of tourism and associate minister of finance. "Our Government is committed to unlocking Edmonton’s hydrogen potential, and we look forward to working with EIA and other partners to capitalize on this opportunity for the region and ensure that the evolution of energy leaves no one behind.”
“Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is Canada’s innovation airport. EIA and the partners they are bringing together are proving that net-zero can be achieved and can become a catalyst for growth," said Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global. "The announcements today are a further proof point that the world is watching, and better yet investing in EIA’s vision for the future. Well done.”
Examples of some of the technology that are planned for testing at EIA include:
- Hydrogen-powered shuttle buses for passengers
- Industrial-vehicle hydrogen fuel conversions
- Developing hydrogen fueling stations for public access
- Further exploration about using hydrogen fuel in aviation
The testing work and development of the technologies will begin at multiple points this year and into 2023 and beyond depending on the scope of the work and the various partners involved. There are no impacts to passengers or flights with these investments and testing programs and there will be no additional costs for passengers related to any of these agreements or programs.
“EIA has a proven track record of driving economic prosperity in a sustainable way. We believe hydrogen will be a key technology for our airport and the aviation industry to decarbonize and reduce emissions," said Myron Keehn, vice president of air service, business development, ESG and government relations, EIA. "We are very excited to work with local and international partners to build the growing hydrogen economy in the Edmonton Metro Region, using our Airport City Sustainability Campus as a magnet to attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.”
EIA’s commitment to hydrogen reflects its values towards environmental, social and governance work. In 2021, EIA became the world’s first airport to sign The Climate Pledge and opened a new cogeneration electricity facility that is lowering the airport’s carbon emissions. Construction will start this year on Airport City Solar, the largest solar farm at an airport in the world, at 627 acres. Combined with the new slate of hydrogen agreements, EIA is supporting private investment attraction, job creation, and economic development for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.
