FortisBC and UBC Okanagan Invest in Low-Carbon Hydrogen Research

FortisBC supports the development of the H2LAB hydrogen research laboratory at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), aiming to integrate hydrogen into the gas supply to meet energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.

Partagez:

On February 27, 2025, the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) inaugurated a 185-square-metre hydrogen research laboratory (H2LAB), supported by an investment from FortisBC. This laboratory, one of the most advanced in North America, aims to conduct research on integrating hydrogen into the energy system of British Columbia. FortisBC, a major natural gas supplier, is backing the project to develop low-carbon energy solutions, including the injection of hydrogen into its distribution network.

A Cutting-Edge Laboratory

The H2LAB was made possible through a total funding of CAD 3.6 million, with CAD 500,000 from FortisBC and CAD 800,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The laboratory, located in UBCO’s innovation district, is dedicated to promoting hydrogen research and innovation, a low-carbon renewable gas. Researchers at UBCO, including the Dean of Engineering, Dr. Will Hughes, emphasise the significance of this project for the industry and the future of energy in the province. “The H2LAB is a world-class space for clean energy innovation, and this type of innovation requires close collaboration between academia and industry,” said Dr. Hughes.

A Strategic Collaboration for the Future of Energy

FortisBC and UBCO are collaborating to study the impact of hydrogen on existing infrastructure. The aim is to determine how hydrogen can be integrated into the natural gas grid while adhering to safety standards and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Dimitry Sediako, head of the high-performance propulsion materials laboratory at UBCO, and his team are studying the effects of hydrogen gas and hydrogen-enriched natural gas on current infrastructure. According to Dr. Sediako, “Hydrogen has applications across many sectors, and testing its materials and techniques is critical for widespread adoption.”

As a pioneer in low-carbon gases, FortisBC launched its renewable natural gas (RNG) programme 15 years ago. With UBCO’s support, the company aims to explore hydrogen’s potential to meet energy demands while reducing its carbon footprint. “We are excited to work with UBCO to shape the future of low-carbon energy,” said Dawn Mehrer, Vice President of Corporate Services and Technology at FortisBC.

A Collaborative and Innovative Future

On February 27, 2025, representatives from FortisBC and UBCO visited the H2LAB to observe the initial research underway. The laboratory is now a hub for exchange between researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders in the energy industry. Dr. Hughes invited businesses and researchers to participate in this collaborative endeavour: “We are proud to present this space and invite industry players to come here to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for hydrogen innovation,” he concluded.

The European Commission grants €3.5mn to support preparatory work for a Franco-German cross-border network aimed at transporting hydrogen between the Grand Est region and Baden-Württemberg starting in 2029.
French company McPhy Energy awaits a court decision regarding offers submitted during its judicial reorganization, paving the way for probable liquidation and potential delisting of its shares.
The majority-Indigenous-owned Canadian manufacturer HyVera Distributed Energy is introducing an eCat pellet that instantly produces ultra-pure green hydrogen without external electricity and is counting on two pilot plants to simplify industrial supply.
Underground hydrogen storage, essential to support its growth, continues to face significantly higher costs than natural gas storage, along with major technical challenges hindering its competitiveness against conventional energies.
Singapore-based hydrogen specialist Hydrexia seals a protocol with Indonesian gas giant Samator to deploy purification, transport and storage of hydrogen, betting on rapidly growing local demand and export outlets to the Asia-Pacific region.
Cadiz Inc. signs a memorandum of understanding with British company Hoku Energy for a large-scale energy project including green hydrogen, solar power, and digital infrastructure in the Californian desert, projecting annual revenues of up to $10mn.
BP indefinitely halts its blue hydrogen project at the Whiting refinery in Indiana, raising questions about the future of federal funding and the impact on regional plans for a decarbonized hydrogen sector in the United States.
The Polish energy group ORLEN receives a non-repayable grant of €382 million from the National Recovery Plan to finance its renewable and low-emission hydrogen production initiatives.
Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power announce successful completion of an unprecedented test incorporating 50% hydrogen into an advanced gas turbine, reducing CO2 emissions by 22% compared to natural gas alone.
Neoenergia has begun construction of one of Brazil's first green hydrogen plants, aimed at supplying heavy and light vehicles, with an investment exceeding 30 million Brazilian reais ($5.99mn).
The SA-H2 fund, supported by international partnerships and local institutional backing, mobilises 37 million USD to develop export-oriented green hydrogen from South Africa, with an initial concrete project announced.
Turbotech reports successful combustion testing of a hydrogen turboprop, developed through digital simulation with Ansys, marking an industrial milestone in light aircraft using alternative fuel.
France Hydrogène responds to the Cour des Comptes report published on June 5, criticising an incomplete reading of updated targets and the economic impacts of decarbonised hydrogen development.
The Belfort Commercial Court has opened a judicial reorganisation procedure for McPhy, while a renewed call for tenders for its asset sale is now set to close on 13 June.
Plug Power CFO Paul Middleton acquired 650,000 shares on the market, affirming his support for the long-term strategy of the hydrogen-focused company.
The Canadian government is funding an initiative to support 40 SMEs in British Columbia’s hydrogen sector, aiming to increase foreign investment and expand international market share.
Developer CWP Global has paused its $40 billion AMAN project in Mauritania due to a lack of buyers for green ammonia despite favourable local conditions.
A study reveals that the profitability of African green hydrogen exports to the European Union depends on political support from Europe, despite the abundance of ongoing projects on the continent.
Plug Power expands its partnership with Allied Green through a new 2 GW electrolyzer deal tied to a $5.5bn chemical plant in Uzbekistan.
Stargate Hydrogen launches 140 MW factory in Estonia with modular expansion model amid cautious hydrogen investment climate.