As technology progresses and hydrogen suppliers establish operations in Alberta, The City of Calgary (The City) acknowledges the potential of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technologies to serve as safe and functional diesel engine alternatives for medium and heavy-duty fleet vehicles and equipment.
With funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta, The City’s Advancing Hydrogen Pilot Project will evaluate a variety of hydrogen vehicles and equipment to understand the current state of hydrogen technology and its application in a municipal environment. Proposed pilot units include fuel cell electric vehicles and equipment such as a forklift, excavator, passenger vehicle, and a Class 8 snow and ice truck, as well as a Class 8 hydrogen combustion refuse truck and backhoe.
To facilitate maintenance and the development of hydrogen education and training for the safe fueling and operation of hydrogen-powered vehicles, up to four maintenance bays will be upgraded to meet building code and safety requirements. The development of an emergency response program in collaboration with The Calgary Fire Department will also help inform the future development of hydrogen standards and codes.
Through this pilot, The City will be better positioned to make informed decisions about hydrogen-supporting infrastructure and vehicles. It will also provide surrounding municipalities and private fleets with information they can leverage for their own planning purposes.
The Advancing Hydrogen Pilot Project is part of The City’s Green Fleet Strategy, which outlines actions to support Calgary City Council’s strategic direction of a climate-resilient city. It aims to support greenhouse gas emissions reduction from the corporate fleet by 60 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050.