Hydrogen production and status in Canada: Foundations for a low-carbon future

Abstract

Hydrogen (H₂) has emerged as a promising solution for decarbonizing energy systems and driving economic growth. Canada's federal and provincial climate commitments, financial support, and expertise in clean technology and H₂ research and development are establishing the country as a leader in achieving net-zero carbon goals. This review paper provides a comprehensive study of the status, prospects, challenges, and opportunities associated with H₂ energy and the economy in Canada. The current state of H₂ energy infrastructure, including production facilities, distribution networks, and end-user applications across Canada is examined. Various H₂ production pathways utilizing different energy sources and feedstocks are analyzed. Key focus areas include steam methane reforming, water electrolysis, autothermal reforming, biomass gasification, and the integration of leading-edge technologies such as thermochemical cycles. The efficiency, costs, and environmental impacts of various H₂ production methods are assessed. Canada's H₂ production potential is examined across provinces, considering fossil fuel, nuclear, industrial thermal sources, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal. Provincial strategies focus on regional strengths, with Alberta advancing blue H₂ production through carbon capture units and Quebec and British Columbia emphasizing green H₂ from hydroelectric and wind energy. The significant H₂ production projects and their applications across Atlantic, Central, and Western Canada are outlined. The main obstacles to establishing an H₂ economy in Canada are investigated, including economic challenges, policy gaps, technological limitations, infrastructure constraints, public awareness, subsidies, standardization, and safety concerns. Practical recommendations are offered to address these barriers, enabling the full potential of H₂ and supporting Canada's net-zero emission goals.