Recap: A new phase for the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB (The Edmonton Global Stage)

The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB (the HUB) is entering a new phase—and its recent relaunch is about more than structure; it’s about scale, strategy, and seizing a global opportunity for the Edmonton region.  

The Edmonton region is “where it’s all happening,” Brent Lakeman, Executive Director of the HUB, said during a panel discussion on the Edmonton Global Stage at the 2025 Canadian Hydrogen Convention. Alongside Lakeman, formerly the Director of the Hydrogen Initiative at Edmonton Global, joined representatives of the HUB’s four funding partners (Edmonton Global, Alberta Innovates, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA), Edmonton International Airport (YEG):

• Mark Plamondon – Executive Director, AIHA

• Ericka Rios – Program Manager, Alberta Innovates

• Myron Keehn – President & CEO, YEG

The session delved into the details of the March relaunch, the HUB’s origins, and the renewed vision moving into its next phase.  

The next phase of the HUB relaunch aims to scale hydrogen deployment across infrastructure and station systems, as well as mobility—a strategy that will be guided by its three strategic pillars: ecosystem convener, system integrator, and policy advocate.

Panelists emphasized that the Edmonton region’s strength lies in deep-rooted strategic partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and global market competitiveness.  

Reflecting on the Edmonton region’s resources and location, Brent stressed that the region is “the best place to invest in the hydrogen economy because you've got that strong industrial base, you've got the key corridors, and you’re well positioned.”  

Mark Plamondon connected the region’s hydrogen economic potential to its carbon management capabilities. “I really think the opportunity in the Heartland, and really for the Edmonton region, really is driven primarily by that carbon capture sequestration capability which leads to production of low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen which then can lead to a lot of the opportunities that we're talking about here at this conference,” Mark said.

Positioning YEG as a living lab for hydrogen integration, Myron described a bold vision in which travelers could “arrive in an autonomous vehicle powered by hydrogen, get on through a terminal building powered and cooled through hydrogen, and onto an airplane likely powered by hydrogen.”  

Building on that mission, both Myron and Erica pointed to a standout initiative already underway: large snow sweepers at the airport are being retrofitted for hydrogen dual-fuel capabilities—a global first. “I’m very excited to see it because it is a first-of-a-kind project—it hasn’t been done anywhere in the world,” Rios said, emphasizing the project’s significance as a tangible step toward broader hydrogen adoption, supported by Alberta Innovates.  

With world-class carbon capture infrastructure, industrial expertise, and export-ready technologies, the Edmonton region is positioned to lead the global hydrogen economy. While challenges remain—carbon pricing, evolving policy, and market incentives—the HUB is building momentum through targeted working groups and coordinated action.

The Edmonton region isn’t just contributing to the transition—it is setting the standard for hydrogen development and commercialization. The Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB has a roadmap, insight, and on-the-ground support to continue driving this momentum.