Representatives from Washington state and British Columbia are exploring how they can collaborate in developing and growing the hydrogen economy in their respective jurisdictions, according to a news release Monday from study participants in each country.
Billed as a first-of-its-kind study, it involves Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, or PNWER, working with the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation’s Clean Energy Major Projects Office, or CEMPO, and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
There is a specific focus on opportunities in relation to the Pacific Northwest Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, or PNWH2, an initiative by the U.S. Department of Energy. The PNWH2 proposal, which spans Washington, Oregon, and Montana, was one of seven national hubs selected for an award of up to $1 billion over eight years.
“The world is turning to clean hydrogen as the key that will unlock our prosperous low-carbon future,” B.C. Premier David Eby said in the release. “Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have the opportunity to lead in building hydrogen infrastructure, which will create jobs, reduce emissions, and help us deepen our expertise to increase trade and opportunities for business and people across the region.”
Jointly funded by British Columbia and Washington state, the new PNWER study is identifying cross-border linkages that would strengthen the region’s economies and infrastructure and establish the Pacific Northwest as a leader in hydrogen technology. B.C., in its 2021 Hydrogen Strategy, and WA Commerce, in a 2024 Green Hydrogen and Renewable Fuels legislative report, have recognized the importance of investing in robust hydrogen economies to achieve their respective clean energy goals. PNWER’s hydrogen analysis study will build upon these reports by providing an enhanced understanding of Pacific Northwest hydrogen investment opportunities, according to the release.
“Washington state is committed to collaborating with our neighbors in the region to advance the role of green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable fuels in our transition to a net-zero economy,” Washington State Commerce Director Mike Fong added in the release. “We look forward to working together, including through our role in the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub, to support the close coordination necessary to build significant new projects and energy systems. This cross-border study will help all participants learn and share lessons, and build more effective and equitable partnerships as we deploy clean hydrogen.”
PNWER has contracted a team of subject-matter experts led by Deloitte to conduct the study and increase adoption and knowledge of hydrogen among industry, including commercial producers and users, throughout the Pacific Northwest. Once completed, this project will serve an important role in achieving policy actions in B.C. and Washington to advance the hydrogen sector in both jurisdictions, the release added.
The study is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. PNWER also noted financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation.
Washington has one of the first opportunities in the country to advance a green hydrogen economy at scale, according to a report earlier this year from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
