UBC Okanagan, FortisBC Launch Advanced Hydrogen Research Lab

UBC Okanagan has launched a pioneering hydrogen research lab, the H2LAB, in collaboration with FortisBC to explore the integration of hydrogen into the existing natural gas supply. The lab, which is among the most advanced in North America, aims to support B.C.'s climate action plan by reducing carbon emissions through the use of hydrogen as a clean fuel. Funded by a total of $3.6 million from UBC, FortisBC, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the facility will facilitate essential research and development in hydrogen technology. While there are significant advancements underway, experts caution that widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel remains several years away. The initiative is part of FortisBC's broader strategy to find alternative energy sources, given its inability to guarantee electricity for new projects until at least 2027. This research is critical for developing the necessary codes and standards for safely incorporating hydrogen into B.C.'s energy infrastructure.