The 2026 Canadian Hydrogen Convention opened with Edmonton's High Level Bridge lit in teal and Mayor Andrew Knack officially declaring the week "Hydrogen Week" in Edmonton during the VIP welcome reception. North America's largest hydrogen event brought together global companies, government leaders, and innovators to advance hydrogen across the full value chain, from production to end use and export.
International collaboration was a defining theme of the week. The Government of Alberta and Hanwha Energy signed an MOU to explore energy development and hydrogen supply chain opportunities between Canada and Korea, while the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association, Edmonton Global, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a separate MOU to explore liquefied hydrogen supply chains connecting Alberta to Japan. The Edmonton region also hosted a large delegation from Hyundai Motor Company, where senior executives spoke at the Convention about the company’s plans to deploy hydrogen technologies and infrastructure in Canada. The participation of these leading global hydrogen companies signals growing global confidence in the Edmonton region as a reliable, low-carbon hydrogen partner.
On the ground, the convention showcased hydrogen moving into real-world applications across multiple sectors. Air Products updated participants on the status of its Net-Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex currently under construction while hydrogen-powered semi-trucks gave attendees a hands-on look at heavy-duty transport in action. The week also brought an update on the hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel pilot for runway snow sweepers at Edmonton International Airport, and expanded support for AMTA’s hydrogen truck trials through Alberta's key freight corridors.
Following the convention, Brent Lakeman, Executive Director of the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, joined 880 CHED to discuss the key announcements and the broader momentum building in Alberta's hydrogen sector.
The week extended to Parliament Hill as well, where Brent presented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources which is studying Canada’s energy export opportunities, including global markets for Canadian hydrogen. He spoke to the importance of reliable domestic demand for hydrogen and the role in can play in de-risking export-related projects.
The announcements, partnerships, and conversations from this year's convention point to a hydrogen economy that is moving from potential to practice. The infrastructure is being built, the supply chains are being mapped, and the international relationships are being formalized. Companies and organizations within the Edmonton region are doing the “heavy lifting” that is needed to advance hydrogen deployment across sectors.
