Plans for hydrogen refueling stations in Alberta face low vehicle demand and unproven net-zero claims
Air Products aims to build a network of hydrogen refueling stations between Calgary and Edmonton, but interest in hydrogen-powered vehicles and net-zero technology remains low.
Taylor Noakes reports for DeSmog.
In short:
- Air Products plans a "hydrogen highway" with multiple refueling stations along Alberta's Queen Elizabeth II highway.
- The network could refuel up to 200 heavy trucks or 2,000 cars daily, though the exact number of stations and their costs are unspecified.
- Current hydrogen technology and demand for hydrogen vehicles are unproven and limited, with low sales in Canada and the U.S.
Key quote:
“Hydrogen must, and will, play a role in solving the climate crisis.”
— Eric Guter, vice president of hydrogen for mobility, Air Products
Why this matters:
Despite promises of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, the production process still emits significant greenhouse gases. In addition, hydrogen vehicles have yet to capture the imagination of the mainstream consumer. The reasons are manifold: high costs, limited availability of hydrogen cars, and a nascent refueling infrastructure that pales in comparison to the well-established network for electric vehicles.
