The Government of Alberta has announced that it will be providing $45 million to help power new hydrogen technology in the province.

$20 million is being provided for early-stage innovations through Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, while the additional $25 million is available for later-stage technologies through Emissions Reduction Alberta.

An additional $5 million is being provided by the federal government through Natural Resources Canada to the Alberta Innovates’ Energy Innovation Program.

“Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and, as we are already a leader in this field,” said Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

“This competition will explore and advance clean hydrogen technologies while generating fresh, exciting new projects and ideas”

The Alberta Government says Alberta is ready to emerge as a leader in the global market, as they expect hydrogen to be a $2.5-trillion to $11-trillion industry worldwide by 2050.

“Alberta is already a Canadian leader in hydrogen, and we have the potential to become a world leader,” said Brian Jean, Alberta’s Minister of Energy and Minerals.

“I believe competitions and opportunities like this are so important to continue to set us apart and to support innovation in the hydrogen space.”

Applications are now open for both funding streams, and applicants can submit a single proposal for both.

The government says the competitions are open to a wide range of applicants from technology developers, research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations and municipalities.

The Emissions Reduction Alberta competition will close its applications on Friday, September 22nd at 5 p.m., while the Alberta Innovates competition closes applications on Tuesday, September 26th at 5 p.m.