As our world transitions away from fossil fuels and embraces alternative energy, Canadians can look forward to a host of positive changes in their lives. One crucial benefit will be the reduction in energy costs. By adopting renewable energy sources like electric and hydrogen energy, we can generate power at a lower cost, ultimately benefiting consumers. This will make energy more affordable for everyday Canadians, while also contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy market.
So strap in and get ready for some hydrogen and electric energy industry insight.
SWTCH Energy – Electric Energy Management
We’re proud to host a variety of innovators within our ecosystem, SWTCH Energy is one of them. SWTCH Energy is a leading provider of turnkey solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management, specifically for multi-tenant buildings. Their smart EV charging platform streamlines the charging experience for drivers while optimizing usage and revenue for building owners.
SWTCH Energy’s Partnership with Bectrol
In a bid to expand EV charging infrastructure for tenants of multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and commercial properties in Québec, SWTCH Energy has partnered with Bectrol, a Québec-based integrator of EV chargers and provider of industrial automation, distribution, and manufacturing of control panels. This collaboration will help to address the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure in the region and support Québec’s ambitious goal of having 1.5 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
Arcpoint Connect – Electric Energy Charging
Arcpoint Connect, a Hamilton-based startup, is revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with their state-of-the-art EV charging stations. These innovative charging stations feature unique, customizable designs and specialized retractable cables, making them versatile and suitable for various charging needs. Designed to withstand the elements, these stations provide a cost-effective solution for charging multiple electric vehicles simultaneously.
As a small startup, Arcpoint Connect prides itself on delivering personalized service that is flexible and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of their clients. By working with local partners, they serve both national and international customers and strive to become the go-to company for residential and commercial EV charging solutions as the world moves toward a sustainable, electrified future.
Ontario Government’s Plans for Electric and Hydrogen Energy
Ontario is stepping up its game in the world of electric energy. The government has asked the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to get ready for the future by securing a whopping 4,000 MW of new electricity generation and storage resources. This is not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about powering a modern, thriving economy that includes everything from electric vehicles to battery manufacturing.
Among the power being added, a good chunk of it—1,500 MW—is coming from standalone energy storage resources. Essentially, this means Ontario is making a major investment in battery technology and showcasing its confidence in the role of batteries in the future of energy storage. In fact, this represents the largest battery procurement in Canadian history. As for where the rest of the power will come from, natural gas will play a important role, providing up to 1,500 MW of the total. It’s a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, marking a green turn in energy production.
But the Ontario government isn’t stopping there. It’s also investing $342 million in new and improved energy efficiency programs. Families and businesses can reduce their electricity use with these initiatives, benefiting the environment and saving money. Plus, Ontario is also venturing into the world of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with plans to build Canada’s first grid-scale SMR. This move towards alternative clean energy sources like nuclear power opens up a world of possibilities for the future of energy in Ontario, potentially setting the stage for more diversified and sustainable solutions, including hydrogen energy. Exciting times ahead!
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Ontario’s Hydrogen Innovation Fund
Ontario is making significant moves towards hydrogen as a promising clean energy source, highlighted by the “Hydrogen Innovation Fund” launch. With an impressive investment of $15 million planned over the next three years. This fund shows Ontario’s commitment to making clean energy widespread.
Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, stated that, “When energy is reliable, affordable, and clean our whole province wins.”
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, David Piccini, also shared his optimism about the promising role of hydrogen. “As a fuel that can be produced and used with little to no greenhouse gas emissions, hydrogen has tremendous potential to help us meet our long-term economic and environmental goals.”
Natural Resources Canada’s projections align with their vision, predicting that hydrogen could compose about 30% of the country’s fuels and feedstock by 2050. This shift to hydrogen could potentially create up to 100,000 jobs in Ontario, further boosting the province’s economy.
The Hydrogen Innovation Fund is designed to support the growth of Ontario’s hydrogen economy in a variety of ways. The Fund is structured to back projects across three main streams:
- Existing facilities already built or operational and ready to evaluate how hydrogen can support Ontario’s clean grid.
- New hydrogen facilities not yet constructed but could be in-service by a specified date to demonstrate how hydrogen can support Ontario’s clean grid.
- Research studies investigating the feasibility of novel applications of hydrogen or support future hydrogen project decision making.
The Fund will be administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator. If you are interested in developing Ontario’s Hydrogen infrastructure, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity.
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Canadian Hydrogen Across the World
Canadian renewable energy company, Amp Energy, won the tender to build a five-gigawatt green hydrogen production facility in Australia. This multi-billion-dollar project is expected to create thousands of jobs, and produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia each year. Which can be exported and used in products like fertilizer. The project will require significant investment in renewable energy. but is set to become Australia’s pre-eminent hydrogen export hub.
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A New Era of Sustainable Construction
Toronto-based Mitrex is transforming sustainable construction by becoming the world’s largest BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) manufacturer. By combining solar panels and building cladding, Mitrex creates customizable designs that turn structures into mini power stations. This innovative approach to green technology and solar power has the potential to reshape urban architecture and energy consumption. Powering homes to be self-sustaining and stylish.
The Importance of Policy and Regulation
To maximize the potential of electric and hydrogen energy infrastructure, supportive policies and regulations are crucial. Governments must create the necessary frameworks to incentivize investments in clean energy technologies and facilitate their widespread adoption. For instance, the city of Laval, Québec has already mandated that new multi-unit residential buildings provide accommodations to EV chargers. As more cities follow suit, the demand for SWTCH Energy and Arcpoint Connect’s solutions will only increase.
The Need for Education and Public Awareness
Public awareness and education play a important role in driving the adoption of electric and hydrogen energy infrastructure. People must understand the benefits of these technologies to make informed decisions about their energy consumption and transportation choices. By promoting the advantages of clean energy solutions, such as reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and increased energy security, governments and businesses can encourage widespread adoption and drive market demand.
Other ‘Driven by Mobility’ Articles You May Find of Interest
We hope you enjoyed this article on electric and hydrogen energy. Driven by Mobility is an original series where we explore CITM’s five areas of focus. You can find all of them here.
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About the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility
The Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) is an accelerator with everything your business needs to take electrified, connected and autonomous vehicle innovations from ideation to commercialization and scale-up. CITM will match you with industry, business development and technical expertise to help you find product-market fit, pilot projects, strategic connections, and growth opportunities. With CITM you can leverage exclusive R&D resources to test and validate your innovation through leading-edge test environments, technology platforms, rich datasets, and specialized labs.
