PNWER and Partners Begin Work on Pioneering Cross-Border Hydrogen Analysis
WHISTLER, BC (July 22, 2024) – Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is working on an innovative cross-border hydrogen analysis project in collaboration with the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation’s Clean Energy Major Projects Office (CEMPO), and the Washington State Department of Commerce (WA Commerce).
The first-of-its-kind study is exploring how British Columbia and Washington state can collaborate in developing and growing the hydrogen economy in their jurisdictions. There is a specific focus on opportunities in relation to the Pacific Northwest Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (PNWH2), an initiative by the U.S. Department of Energy. The PNWH2 proposal, which spans Washington, Oregon and Montana, was one of seven national hubs selected for an award of up to $1 billion USD over eight years.
“The world is turning to clean hydrogen as the key that will unlock our prosperous low-carbon future,” said B.C. Premier David Eby. “Here in the Pacific Northwest we have the opportunity to lead in building hydrogen infrastructure, which will create jobs, reduce emissions, and help us deepen our expertise to increase trade and opportunities for business and people across the region.”
Jointly funded by British Columbia and Washington state, the new PNWER study is identifying cross-border linkages that would strengthen the region’s economies and infrastructure, and establish the Pacific Northwest region as a leader in hydrogen technology. B.C., in its 2021 Hydrogen Strategy, and WA Commerce, in a 2024 Green Hydrogen and Renewable Fuels legislative report, have recognized the importance of investing in robust hydrogen economies to achieve their respective clean energy goals. PNWER’s hydrogen analysis study will build upon these reports by providing an enhanced understanding of Pacific Northwest hydrogen investment opportunities.
“Washington state is committed to collaborating with our neighbors in the region to advance the role of green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable fuels in our transition to a net-zero economy,” said Washington State Commerce Director Mike Fong. “We look forward to working together, including through our role in the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub, to support the close coordination necessary to build significant new projects and energy systems. This cross-border study will help all participants learn and share lessons, and build more effective and equitable partnerships as we deploy clean hydrogen.”
PNWER has contracted a team of subject-matter-experts led by Deloitte to conduct the study and increase adoption and knowledge of hydrogen among industry, including commercial producers and users, throughout the Pacific Northwest. Once completed, this project will serve an important role in achieving policy actions in B.C. and Washington state to advance the hydrogen sector in both jurisdictions. Additional key objectives include:
Explore opportunities for B.C., Washington state and other Pacific Northwest states, provinces and territories to collaborate on current and future opportunities and challenges for hydrogen production, distribution and utilization.
Identify opportunities to develop a cross-border hydrogen hub to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen sector.
Identify ways in which to engage industry, Indigenous partners, academia and various levels of governments to explore hydrogen cross-border collaboration.
Explore the strengths, opportunities and barriers associated with hydrogen activities in B.C. and Washington state.
“PNWER recognizes the importance clean hydrogen projects will have on our climate and region’s economy,” said PNWER President Rick Glumac, who recently led the expansion of PNWER Canada, which made this study possible. “We have the potential to be a global hydrogen leader and this binational study will enable further development of our growing hydrogen industry, and help our region transition away from fossil fuels to a cleaner, low-carbon energy system.”
The Green Hydrogen Pacific Northwest Study is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
PNWER gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
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ABOUT PNWER
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a public/private non-profit organization created by statute in 1991. Member jurisdictions include Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington, and the Canadian provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. PNWER's mission is to increase the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region; identify and promote "models of success; and serve as a conduit to exchange information. For more information on PNWER, visit www.pnwer.org.
ABOUT CEMPO
The Clean Energy and Major Projects Office (CEMPO) provides dedicated support to clean-energy projects, including in the emerging hydrogen economy and works with internal and external partners to develop clean energy hubs across British Columbia. The CEMPO was announced by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation in March 2023 as part of the New Energy Action Framework to accelerate investment in clean energy and create good, sustainable jobs in the transition to a clean economy For more information about the CEMPO, please visit: Clean Energy and Major Projects Office - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).
ABOUT COMMERCE
Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com.
