Hydrogen economy transition plan: A case study on Ontario
Faris Elmanakhly ,
Andre DaCosta,
Brittany Berry,
Robert Stasko,
Michael Fowler ,
Xiao-Yu Wu
Affiliations
Faris Elmanakhly
1. Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Andre DaCosta
2. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Brittany Berry
3. School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada 4. Hydrogen Business Council, 2140 Winston Park Drive, Unit 203, Oakville, ON L6H 5V5, Canada
Robert Stasko
4. Hydrogen Business Council, 2140 Winston Park Drive, Unit 203, Oakville, ON L6H 5V5, Canada
Michael Fowler
2. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Xiao-Yu Wu
1. Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
A shift towards a "hydrogen economy" can reduce carbon emissions, increase penetration of variable renewable power generation into the grid, and improve energy security. The deployment of hydrogen technologies promises major contributions to fulfilling the economy's significant energy needs while also reducing urban pollution emissions and the overall carbon footprint and moving towards a circular economy. Using the Canadian province of Ontario as an example, this paper prioritizes certain recommendations for near-term policy actions, setting the stage for long-term progress to reach the zero-emissions target by 2050. To roll out hydrogen technologies in Ontario, we recommend promptly channeling efforts into deployment through several short-, mid-, and long-term strategies. Hydrogen refueling infrastructure on Highway 401 and 400 Corridors, electrolysis for the industrial sector, rail infrastructure and hydrogen locomotives, and hydrogen infrastructure for energy hubs and microgrids are included in strategies for the near term. With this infrastructure, more Class 8 large and heavy vehicles will be ready to be converted into hydrogen fuel cell power in the mid-term. Long-term actions such as Power-to-Gas, hydrogen-enriched natural gas, hydrogen as feedstock for products (e.g., ammonia and methanol), and seasonal and underground storage of hydrogen will require immediate financial and policy support for research and technology development.
