FortisBC Pioneers Change with UBCO’s Advanced Hydrogen Research

UBC Okanagan’s H2LAB Opens Doors to Clean Energy Innovation

The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) has unveiled its state-of-the-art hydrogen research laboratory, H2LAB. Strategically located in the university’s Innovation Precinct, this 2,000-square-foot facility is positioned to revolutionize clean energy research, focusing on hydrogen’s potential as a low-carbon solution. Officially launched with robust support from FortisBC and significant grants from key stakeholders, the lab aims to bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world industry application. UBCO researchers and energy leaders alike are optimistic about the lab’s promise to foster innovation and drive sustainable development.

A New Era for Hydrogen Research in B.C.

The establishment of H2LAB represents a landmark moment for British Columbia’s commitment to a greener future. The lab’s primary mission is to explore how hydrogen can be safely blended into natural gas systems, advancing its viability as a low-carbon energy source. This project reflects collaborative ingenuity, with $2.3 million in funding from UBC, $500,000 from FortisBC, and an additional $800,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

FortisBC’s collaboration underscores the private sector’s commitment to leveraging hydrogen for sustainable energy solutions. “Together, we’re exploring how hydrogen can be integrated safely and effectively into our gas system,” said Dawn Mehrer, Vice President of Corporate Services and Technology at FortisBC.

The lab doesn’t just fulfill local energy goals; it is also a hub of interdisciplinary research, serving industries like automotive, aerospace, and marine transport. By linking academia with the private sector, it sets a new benchmark for industry-academic partnerships aimed at reducing emissions.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Research

At the heart of H2LAB’s operations lies a suite of advanced tools and ongoing projects. Hydrogen blending in natural gas is one of the lab’s primary focuses, involving complex tests designed to measure how safely and efficiently hydrogen can coexist within existing infrastructure. Researchers are also conducting hydrogen permeability and fatigue crack growth tests to ensure materials can withstand prolonged exposure to hydrogen without failing.

Beyond blending, UBCO’s researchers are investigating hydrogen’s role across different sectors. Dr. Sunny Li is pioneering hybrid transport applications, including retrofitting traditional locomotives into zero-emission vehicles using hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology. Another key area involves enhancing safety codes and standards to build robust systems that instill public and industry confidence in hydrogen as a viable energy option.

According to Dr. Dimitry Sediako, the lab’s testing capabilities elevate the institution to international prominence. “The scale of research we’re doing here hasn’t been possible in Western Canada before. For industries aiming for lower emissions, this is a game-changer,” he explained during the lab’s unveiling.

Why Hydrogen Matters Now

Hydrogen stands out as a versatile and sustainable fuel alternative with critical implications for addressing climate change. Its low-carbon footprint grants it an edge in applications where other renewable energy solutions—such as electrification—face significant limitations. Industries like aviation, heavy-duty trucking, and marine transport present unique challenges that hydrogen can solve through enhanced energy density and scalability.

Hydrogen can also integrate seamlessly with existing natural gas systems, enabling utilities to take actionable steps in cutting emissions without the need for entirely new infrastructure. This is particularly relevant in British Columbia, where blending hydrogen could become a key strategy in meeting aggressive climate targets under provincial and national initiatives.

Notably, hydrogen’s utility extends beyond energy. It plays a role in creating cleaner industrial processes—for instance, in the production of steel and fertilizers. Its multifaceted potential makes it an invaluable tool in broad global decarbonization efforts.

Timelines and Future Impact

Many of the research projects underway at H2LAB are expected to yield actionable insights within the next five years. Short-term outcomes include evaluating the feasibility of hydrogen-natural gas blends for residential and commercial energy consumption. This could pave the way for utility providers like FortisBC to integrate these blends into their pipelines, providing a cleaner energy alternative to customers across the province.

Long-term, the implications of H2LAB’s work could extend far beyond British Columbia. By laying a foundation for better materials, safer infrastructure, and widespread adoption of hydrogen technology, the lab has the potential to influence clean energy policies and best practices on a global scale.

Dr. Will Hughes, Director of UBCO’s School of Engineering, emphasized the openness of the lab to new collaborations. “We’re inviting community and industry partners to bring us their challenges and ideas. This is a space designed to innovate collaboratively,” he said, underscoring the lab’s role as a launchpad for transformative energy solutions.

The Takeaway

H2LAB represents more than just progress—it provides actionable steps toward a green future. While bold innovations like hybrid hydrogen transport may take years to materialize, others, such as hydrogen blending in natural gas, can make an immediate impact. What stands out is how this lab underscores the importance of a collaborative approach. Scientists at UBCO are not working in isolation but alongside partners like FortisBC and others to ensure their findings are practical and scalable.

For readers, this research demonstrates the need to push for sustainable choices in our daily lives. Even as cutting-edge labs tackle the technical hurdles, individuals and industries can adopt clean technologies already available—electric vehicles, solar energy, or energy-efficient appliances. Together, informed choices and scientific breakthroughs can pave the way for a livable, sustainable future.