New B.C. hydrogen office to help investment and emissions reduction: Horgan

A new government office dedicated to hydrogen projects and proposals could help British Columbia reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the economy, the premier says.

A new government office dedicated to hydrogen projects and proposals could help British Columbia reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the economy, the premier says.

John Horgan said the B.C. Hydrogen Office will allow government to create a framework that doesn’t exist, making the province a leader in hydrogen use.

“We currently have a surplus of clean, green electricity, but as we electrify our economy further, we’re going to see a requirement for more clean energy,” he said on Thursday.

Developing a hydrogen strategy could lead to a 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Horgan said.

The previous Liberal government announced plans for a so-called hydrogen highway shortly before the 2010 Winter Olympics with plans for hydrogen fuel stations between Vancouver and Whistler, but the idea fizzled.

Horgan said the difference is that then it was a novelty, now it’s imperative.

Ravi Kahlon, the minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation, said development in the hydrogen sector will bring more investment to the province.

“Hydrogen development helps B.C. meet our climate change commitments, it fosters innovation in B.C.’s economy, and positions B.C. as a leader in environmental and social responsibility,” he said.