Edmonton to Host Inaugural Convention Targeting Cleantech Collaboration

Canada is taking a role in the global transition toward low-carbon fuels, and Alberta is playing its part.

The province will host the Canadian Hydrogen Convention next week, slated to run April 25 through 27.

It is Canada’s largest event to showcase hydrogen as an enabler to reach net-zero emissions.

The development of a clean hydrogen economy is considered a strategic priority for Canada. Thus the event aims to position Canada as a global hydrogen superpower and brings together the entire supply chain to discuss innovations and solutions for hydrogen production, energy infrastructure, storage, and more.

The Canadian Hydrogen Convention will take place at the Edmonton Convention Centre. There, a combination of industry experts, policymakers, researchers, and innovators will share knowledge and ideas to create a sustainable future.

It is expected to be a must-go event for those interested in low-carbon energy sources and hydrogen technologies.

Attendees will be able to learn about local companies such as Ayrton Energy, a Calgary-based cleantech startup that stores hydrogen within an organic liquid that can be handled and transported just like gasoline. CEO Natasha Kostenuk will be pitching at the Plug and Play Innovation Theatre during the event.

Other regional organizations such as Alberta Innovates and the University of Alberta will also be present at the event.

Overall, more than 1000 delegates are expected to descend on this inaugural event, which is shaping up to be the year’s most important hydrogen conference in Canada. Dozens of companies, from local to international, will be featured. More than 100 speakers will inform and inspire the path toward decarbonization.

Alberta Innovates is the province’s innovation engine, from funding to commercialization—including in the hydrogen field. Earlier this year, The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence was launched by Alberta Innovates in order to accelerate technology and innovation across the hydrogen value chain, closing gaps to strengthen Alberta’s hydrogen economy and provide support across the entire hydrogen system, from production to end use.

In its first round of funding, the Alberta Hydrogen Centre of Excellence announced $20 million across 18 successful projects in order to advance local innovation in hydrogen.

Laura Kilcrease, chief executive of Alberta Innovates, believes her province is “at the forefront of the new hydrogen economy.”