Minister of Environment and Energy Jamie Ballem said today he was pleased with the announcement that Stuart Energy Systems Corporation has received funding for phase one of a project which could see the first application of hydrogen fuel technology in Prince Edward Island.
Natural Resources Canada announced Sunday that it will provide funding of just over $300,000 to Stuart Energy Systems for the preliminary engineering phase of three hydrogen fuelling stations. The stations, when built, are intended to support demonstration projects involving hydrogen-powered shuttle buses. The targeted locations are Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, as well as Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario.
“I want to congratulate Stuart Energy for being selected to work on the engineering of the hydrogen fuelling stations. This funding support speaks to the company’s reputation as a leader in development of hydrogen technology, and it is certainly a positive announcement for Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Ballem. “As part of the Energy Framework and Renewable Energy Strategy, our Government wants to play a role in promoting and demonstrating wind and hydrogen technology. I am hopeful that this is an important first step toward that goal.”
The Government of Prince Edward Island has been exploring with a number of companies, including Stuart Energy, the business potential for hydrogen development in PEI. The Province currently has an application before Industry Canada for funding for a hydrogen village in the North Cape area. Minister Ballem noted Stuart Energy Systems Corporation is one of the partners in that proposal.
“While this announcement of funding for the preliminary engineering phase of the hydrogen fuelling stations does not directly relate to our hydrogen village proposal, the two projects would nicely complement each other,” the Minister added.
If approved, the hydrogen village project would see wind power at the North Cape Wind Farm used to generate and produce hydrogen.
“We are thrilled to partner with PEI on this exciting proposal,” commented
Randall MacEwen, Vice President, Corporate Development of Stuart Energy Systems Corporation. “The PEI government has demonstrated leadership and vision toward lessening PEI’s dependence on imported power through the deployment of clean wind technologies. They are now proposing to move to the next logical step – marrying up wind with hydrogen as a means of storing energy – in a way that promotes local economic development. With PEI’s political will, skilled work force, committed academic community and strong wind regime, PEI is the perfect location to demonstrate and deploy wind-hydrogen technologies.”