The first of three new fuelling stations for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles opens this week as part of the Province’s CleanBC transition to cleaner energy solutions to meet 2030-50 greenhouse gas reduction targets.

“Hydrogen will play a critical role in B.C.’s transition to a clean energy future, even more so as we focus on economic recovery following COVID-19,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “Through CleanBC, we are developing a hydrogen roadmap to grow the low-carbon economy and create new opportunities across the province.”

North Vancouver-based Hydrogen Technology and Energy Corporation (HTEC) has partnered with 7-Eleven Canada to open a hydrogen fuelling station at the Esso at the Westview Shopping Centre in North Vancouver. 

Unlike cars and trucks with internal combustion engines and gasoline tanks, hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles have a fuel cell that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which runs an electric motor. The technology is safe and has existed since the 1960s, but adoption as a means of transportation is relatively new.

Support for this station comes partly through a Part 3 Agreement under the BC Low Carbon Fuel Standard. This includes investment for actions that increase the use of low-carbon fuels, as well as $500,000 from the Province’s CleanBC Go Electric Hydrogen Fuelling and Fleet Program.

“The BC Low Carbon Fuel Standard is a significant contributor to realizing the new fuelling stations,” said Colin Armstrong, president and chief executive officer, HTEC. “Support through the Part 3 Agreement program and other CleanBC programs have made HTEC's vision a reality.”

HTEC and 7-Eleven have begun construction on a second station, which will open on Vancouver Island later this year. The companies are also expanding the network into the Okanagan, with a station set to open in Kelowna next year.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quick Facts:

• There are currently two public hydrogen fuelling stations operating in the province, with four more (including the one opened on June 25) to open by the end of 2021.
• Hydrogen fuelling takes just three to five minutes for an average-sized tank.
• The range of light-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles is 600 kilometres.

Learn More:

For more information on how HTEC is fuelling the drive to hydrogen to combat climate change, visit: www.htec.ca