Canada’s Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, David Billedeau, president and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA) and Josipa Petrunic, president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), announced a combined investment of more than $1.25 million to explore hydrogen fueling options for public transit agencies within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas (GTHA).

This investment will support the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA) in developing a comprehensive low-carbon fleet transition plan for the GTHA, including hydrogen buses. Hydrogen fuel cell buses offer a cleaner fuel option than traditional diesel buses, emitting water and warm air instead of harmful tailpipe emissions.

“Canada is committed to building a cleaner, more sustainable future for all communities,” Robertson said. “This planning project with the Canadian Hydrogen Association and CUTRIC allows for greater thought into innovative hydrogen solutions. We’re laying the foundation for a resilient energy system that supports economic growth, reduces emissions and improves quality of life for Canadians.”

According to a release, the multi-phase plan will include:

• Examining the economic, technological, and environmental benefits of adopting low-carbon vehicles, particularly those powered by clean hydrogen, while also addressing key considerations and constraints related to implementation.

• Leveraging industry experts and transit agencies’ knowledge for strategic planning.

• Exploring the feasibility of a hydrogen fueling hub for transit in Ontario.

• Gathering real-world data for program and technological improvements.

“The Canadian Hydrogen Association looks forward to supporting CUTRIC and other partners in developing this crucial low-carbon fleet transition plan,” Billedeau said. “We thank the Government of Canada for their support in advancing the deployment of fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) and hydrogen refueling infrastructure to decarbonize urban transit in the GTHA.”

Through an agreement with CUTRIC, the Government of Canada is investing $10 million over five years to help transit bus operators complete planning and increase their readiness to transition to zero-emission bus fleets.