Since the Alberta Government introduced the Alberta Hydrogen Roadmap in 2021, there has been a strategic push to integrate hydrogen into the province's economy. This comprehensive strategy outlines the pathway to harnessing hydrogen as a key component of Alberta's energy mix, emphasizing its potential to reduce emissions, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

AMTA has been at the forefront of this transition, leading numerous initiatives to advance alternative energy sources, including hydrogen, in the heavy-duty transportation sector. The association has successfully introduced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen diesel dual-fuel vehicles to Albertan fleets. These efforts are crucial to supporting emission reductions in road transportation and ensuring that Alberta becomes a hydrogen superpower.

“Our initiatives have laid a strong foundation for alternative energy adoption in heavy-duty transportation,” says Robert Harper, AMTA President. “The introduction of FCEVs, investments in hydrogen production, storage, distribution, along with mechanic and safety training has positioned Alberta as a leader in the hydrogen economy. We are excited to continue this momentum and showcase our achievements at the Industry Innovations Expo.”

A highlight of the Expo is the Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC), a $22 million project supported by Emissions Reduction Alberta that is spearheading two critical advancements in the sustainable energy economy. The first is the production of fuel-cell grade hydrogen from Alberta’s natural gas, a significant step in leveraging the province’s resources to fuel a sustainable future. The Expo marks the official launch of the AZETEC trucks, a milestone in Alberta’s hydrogen journey. The AZETEC project has developed the first heavy-duty Class 8 FCEVs designed for Canadian weights and winter conditions. These trucks are poised to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel for long-haul transportation, setting a new standard for zero-emission trucking in Canada.

“We have seen tremendous support for hydrogen and alternative fuel adoption within Alberta’s transport community,” says Tim Bennett, AMTA Board Chair. “AMTA and its partners have forged a realistic pathway for adopting alternative energy vehicles in heavy-duty trucking. Technological advancements have led to shorter fueling times and the ability to handle Canada’s heavy payloads, long ranges and winter climate.”

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