The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba's leadership in transportation and hydrogen production was enhanced after Energy, Science and Technology Minister Tim Sale and Iceland Minister of Industry and Commerce ValgerÝur Sverrisd-ttir sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on hydrogen development yesterday. "Manitoba and Iceland share many cultural and business ties as well as a common interest in renewable energy and hydrogen," said Sale. "Iceland has taken a leadership role and gained considerable profile globally in the area of hydrogen development. This agreement will promote greater partnerships in this area between our two jurisdictions and will enable Manitoba to build on our recently unveiled initiatives including a preliminary report on hydrogen development and a unique hybrid fuel cell bus demonstration project." The MOU states that Manitoba and Iceland will pursue the potential for joint initiatives on hydrogen development. The two jurisdictions will also investigate the benefits of the exchange of people and information, and joint research and training initiatives, in relation to hydrogen development activities. The agreement could lead to an important mutual bridge between North American and European markets. Hydrogen Backgrounder Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe. Hydrogen is, however, not readily present in our environment as a pure gas (H2). Hydrogen gas must be manufactured using some other hydrogen-containing material, such as for example water or hydrocarbons, a process that requires the input of energy. Hydrogen gas, once produced, can be stored and can used as a fuel. 2. Why is the Province of Manitoba interested in hydrogen? Manitoba is committed to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, requiring new efficient transportation technologies and new fuels like hydrogen. Hydrogen represents an energy carrier that is clean, its only end product being water, and often characterized as the "ultimate fuel of the future." Using hydrogen could eliminate emissions of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. Hydrogen can be produced without foreign energy imports, increasing energy security. Manitoba now imports nearly all its liquid fuels and all its natural gas. See 'Opportunities' P.# Con't from P.# Hydrogen and new technologies represent economic development opportunities for Manitoba. 3. What are the applications of hydrogen in the future? Most of the excitement surrounding hydrogen for the future is due to advancements in fuel cell technologies. The biggest future hydrogen application is fuel cells for transportation. Initially these would power our transit buses, later on passenger cars, and eventually ships and even airplanes. Hydrogen can be applied to various stationary and portable power applications, as well as other non-fuel uses. Hydrogen can, like conventional fuel, also be still used in internal combustion engines, although with significantly lower efficiency compared to fuel cells. 4. What are the barriers today to hydrogen development? Lack of infrastructure for delivery of hydrogen as a fuel (classic chicken and egg dilemma). High costs and some technical difficulties with fuel cells still need to be worked out. Low energy density of hydrogen storage. Public acceptance of hydrogen, particularly addressing safety myths. 5. What are Manitoba's strategic advantages in terms of a potential hydrogen economy? Low-cost, renewable hydroelectricity that could ultimately be used to produce clean hydrogen. Bus manufacturing capabilities, with Winnipeg being the "Bus Capital" of North America. Refuelling system technologies as manufactured by Kraus Global. Research capabilities, including AECL Pinawa, universities and colleges. Other related manufacturing, including composite materials and electronic systems. 6. What are the potential benefits to Manitoba? Manitoba is seeking opportunities that make sense economically, offering significant probability of commercial success, and environmentally, contributing to sustainability. Manufacture of value-added products for hydrogen, such as fuel cell buses, hydrogen storage and fuel dispensing systems. Value-added knowledge about hydrogen that can be potentially sold as services. High-value, high-tech jobs. Export potential for products and services. Production of hydrogen that could meet our own fuel requirements. Electricity to produce hydrogen for external markets when they develop and are economically attractive. 7. What is Manitoba doing on hydrogen today? A major project announcement was made in Winnipeg on December 6, 2002, regarding the Fuel Cell Powered Hybrid Bus Initiative. The Government of Manitoba and New Flyer Industries are partners in this project, which is being led by Hydrogenics, the Mississauga-based fuel cell manufacturer, and will lead to the development of the world's most advanced and efficient fuel cell bus. The overall budget for the project is $8 million, with non-revenue operation of the prototype bus in Winnipeg, occurring sometime around the summer of 2005. Additional bus-related opportunities are also currently under investigation.
