Canada’s Hydrogen Future: Innovations, Policies, and Global Perspectives

Abstract

Canada has the essential elements to develop a sustainable hydrogen (H₂) economy, including abundant feedstock, a strong energy sector, and international partnerships. The country’s climate commitments, financial incentives, and expertise position it as a leader in pursuing net-zero goals. However, a comprehensive framework is needed to integrate H₂ storage technologies, industrial applications, research and development (R&D), regulations, and international collaborations. This review paper presents a detailed assessment of H₂ storage methods, their applications, and key end-users in Canada. The application across various domains is examined in detail, including its role as a fuel (e.g., electricity generation and transportation), a heat source (e.g., buildings and industrial processes), and a feedstock (e.g., the oil and gas sectors and synthetic fuel production). The regulatory and policy frameworks that shape Canada’s H₂ economy are analyzed, with a focus on key initiatives, funding programs, and their associated opportunities and challenges. R&D needs are highlighted, focusing on current R&D activities, key priorities, and areas for future investments. The contributions of public-private partnerships in advancing H₂ R&D in conjunction with contributions from research centers and universities across Canada are considered. Key findings and insights are categorized, and the prospects for H₂ energy in Canada’s future are discussed. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to support the continued development and implementation of H₂ energy solutions. In addition, the strategies and objectives of the H₂ short-, medium-, and long-term plans are presented with highlights of the provincial strategies. International collaborations and case studies are discussed, and insights into global practices and their applications in Canada are provided.