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With support from the Province, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is about to break ground on a project that will transform a city-sized block of campus into a world-leading smart energy district to test how hydrogen can be used to power a low-carbon future.

The project will include a solar panel system that harnesses the sun’s energy to charge electric vehicles. That same solar power provides energy to a water electrolyzer that produces “green” hydrogen. The hydrogen is then sent to a hydrogen vehicle refueling station to service light- and heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles.

This technology will also make it possible to explore other hydrogen applications, such as injection into the natural gas grid to decarbonize space heating.

The Province has awarded B.C. Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits with a current market value of approximately $5.6 million to UBC for the Renewable Energy Hub. The LCFS supports the production and use of renewable fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating investment, training and jobs in clean technology. Under the LCFS, the Province can award compliance credits to fuel suppliers for actions that increase the use of low-carbon fuels like hydrogen and electricity, renewable gas or diesel.

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