Ontario’s Hydrogen Revolution: A Key to Green Industry and Job Creation

Ontario’s Hydrogen Revolution: A Key to Green Industry and Job Creation

When Canadians think of hydrogen, what comes to mind may be large-scale exports to the European Union or East Asia. But closer to home, low-carbon hydrogen offers transformative opportunities for Ontario’s heavy industries—such as mining, steel, cement, petrochemical, and fertilizer production—to transition toward cleaner operations. These industries are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and their shift to low-carbon solutions is crucial for maintaining global competitiveness in an increasingly green economy.

WHY LOW-CARBON HYDROGEN MATTERS

Low-carbon hydrogen stands out as one of the most effective tools for reducing emissions in energy-intensive sectors. Without such measures, the rising costs of climate inaction will ultimately be passed down to consumers, impacting everyone’s wallet. Transitioning to a green economy is not just an industrial imperative; it’s a collective responsibility.

The good news is Ontario has what it takes to lead this transition. With a highly skilled workforce,

cutting-edge research centres, and a legacy in electrolyzer and automo tive manufacturing, the province is well-positioned to harness the po tential of low-carbon hydrogen. The development of this sector could generate thousands of high-quali ty jobs, driving economic growth while reducing emissions.

SHOWCASING ONTARIO’S HYDROGEN LEADERSHIP

Events such as the Canadian Hydrogen Convention are pivotal in highlighting hydrogen’s role in shaping a sustainable future. The convention’s fourth edition is slated to be hosted April 22-24, 2025 in Edmonton and is expecting over 10,000 attendees, and will be focusing on key topics including: attracting international investment, exporting Canada’s hydrogen, fuelling the heavy transportation sector, and hydrogen growth in Central and Eastern Canada.

The convention will bring a deep focus on how hydrogen is becoming the go-to solution for industries looking to increase their sustainability and stay ahead of the curve. From fuelling cars to powering homes, attendees can expect a deep dive into how hydrogen is driving growth and innovation on a global scale.

New for 2025, the convention’s organizer is launching the Executive Summit Series, with one-day events planned for Toronto and Halifax in early 2025. These events aim to bring together industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss actionable strategies for advancing hydrogen technologies and scaling their adoption across Ontario and beyond.

ONTARIO’S HYDROGEN TRAILBLAZERS

One of the primary methods of producing hydrogen involves splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis—a process that is emissions-free when powered by clean electricity. Unlike many other industrial applications, electrolytic hydrogen production doesn’t require continuous power, making it a flexible and scalable solution for Ontario’s growing energy needs.

Ontario is already home to companies leading the charge in this space. Firms like Cipher Neutron, Hydrogen Optimized, and Next Hydrogen are innovating in electrolyzer technology, laying the groundwork for a low-carbon hydrogen economy. Other alternative production pathways are emerging as well, pioneered by Ontario companies such as GH Power and Aurora Hydrogen whose technology was developed at the University of Toronto.

Low-carbon hydrogen applications extend far beyond industrial use. In the film industry hydrogen gensets developed by companies such as Ontario based HONE reduce reliance on diesel generators. In the transportation sector, hydrogen can fuel zero-emission trucks, as demonstrated by Etobicoke-based ITD Industries, which sells Nikola hydrogen-powered trucks. This summer, the company opened Ontario’s first hydrogen refuelling station, a milestone for hydrogen adoption in logistics. Major retailers like Canadian Tire, Loblaws, and Walmart have already shown interest, signalling broader integration of hydrogen into transportation and supply chain operations.

THE PATH FORWARD

The Ontario government has recognized hydrogen’s pivotal role in its energy transition strategy. With the appointment of Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries, Sam Oosterhoff, the province is stepping up efforts to decarbonize hard-toabate sectors while ensuring energy reliability for all Ontarians.

The conditions for hydrogen in Ontario are ripe. By leveraging its natural and industrial strengths, Ontario can lead Canada—and the world—in the green energy transition, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

As hydrogen continues to gain traction, it’s clear that Ontario isn’t just thinking big—it’s taking bold steps toward a cleaner future.