Cheatsheet: B.C.’s hydrogen production pathways

A new report quantifies the carbon intensity of hydrogen production pathways in B.C.

In 2021, the provincial government released the B.C Hydrogen Strategy, detailing the role of hydrogen in the transition to a lower-carbon future. Currently, more than 50 percent of Canada’s hydrogen and fuel-cell tech companies are in B.C, and largely work on applications related to decarbonizing transportation. However, given that B.C. is a major producer of natural gas — with only 15 percent of the province’s production used for domestic, industrial, residential, or commercial consumption — there is also strong industry interest in understanding the mechanics of blending hydrogen into the gas grid for export. 

A new report, titled Carbon Intensity of Hydrogen Production Methods, has been released by the B.C. Hydrogen Office; the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation; and the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE). It details the carbon intensity of provincial hydrogen production, including potential greenhouse gas reductions, by blending hydrogen into the gas grid. Here’s what you need to know.