Canada backs hydrogen exports from British Columbia with new support for clean tech SMEs

The Government of Canada, through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), has committed CAD 466,956 to the Canadian Hydrogen Association to strengthen the export potential of British Columbia’s small and mid-sized hydrogen and fuel cell companies. The investment was announced on June 5, 2025, by Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and the minister overseeing PacifiCan, during the hy-fcell International Expo and Conference in Vancouver.

British Columbia is widely recognized as Canada’s leading hydrogen and fuel cell hub, hosting over half of the nation’s hydrogen-focused businesses and more than 1,350 full-time sector employees. This latest investment underlines the federal government’s strategic focus on scaling up Canada’s clean energy exports and supporting high-potential regional innovation clusters.

Why British Columbia is central to Canada’s hydrogen economy

British Columbia has long played a foundational role in Canada’s hydrogen energy ambitions. With a robust base of clean electricity, world-class research institutions, and close trade proximity to key global markets in Asia and the western United States, the province is home to the country’s most concentrated hydrogen and fuel cell ecosystem. Notably, British Columbia also serves as the headquarters for several global hydrogen players, ranging from fuel cell manufacturers to electrolyzer technology developers.

The Canadian Hydrogen Association, which represents over 200 hydrogen-focused organizations, is expected to use the funding to help approximately 40 British Columbia-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) secure global partnerships, improve foreign direct investment visibility, and position themselves competitively in clean technology value chains.

According to Minister Gregor Robertson, the funding will “support good jobs, lower emissions, and a stronger Canadian economy—built for today and the future.” The remarks signal a broader ambition to transition Canada into a clean energy leader while also targeting near-term economic multipliers through exports and innovation-driven employment.

How the Canadian Hydrogen Association will use federal support

The Canadian Hydrogen Association has outlined a multifaceted plan for deploying the investment. Key activities include coordinating international marketing initiatives, preparing firms for participation in trade fairs, and connecting businesses with overseas buyers and investors. The association will also focus on showcasing Canadian technology at global platforms such as the hy-fcell Expo, a premier hydrogen industry event that draws experts from Europe, Asia, and North America.

Speaking on the investment, Nicolas Hilario, Interim President and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen Association, emphasized that British Columbia is “well-positioned to become a leading exporter of hydrogen, hydrogen technologies, and related services.” He credited the region’s “world-leading industry and research expertise, proximity to key markets, and abundant natural resources” as unique enablers.

By focusing the investment on SMEs rather than large enterprises, the funding aligns with long-term innovation goals. Smaller firms are often seen as drivers of technical breakthroughs but face greater barriers in scaling their commercial operations internationally. PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program is designed to fill this gap through ecosystem-wide support for growth-stage companies.

What is the role of PacifiCan in Canada’s clean energy infrastructure?

PacifiCan, the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbia, plays a critical role in supporting innovation-led growth across the province. The agency’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, under which this hydrogen sector funding was issued, seeks to enhance the competitiveness of local businesses by boosting their innovation, commercialization, and global integration capacity.

In May 2024, PacifiCan announced a separate CAD 9.4 million investment to establish the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University. This facility supports applied research and deployment of hydrogen technologies through academic–industry partnerships, many of which also include the Canadian Hydrogen Association as a key collaborator. Together, these initiatives form part of a coordinated strategy to build both the knowledge base and industrial capacity needed for Canada to lead in global hydrogen trade.

How this investment fits into the global hydrogen market landscape

Internationally, clean hydrogen has emerged as a cornerstone in decarbonization strategies, particularly across the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. Public and private sectors globally have pledged more than USD 300 billion in future hydrogen-related investments, and Canada is vying for a share of that market by leveraging its renewable resources, innovation strengths, and trade partnerships.

British Columbia’s geographic proximity to the Pacific Rim positions it advantageously for exports. Countries like Japan and South Korea have already signaled long-term interest in importing clean hydrogen, especially green hydrogen produced using renewable electricity. British Columbia, with its hydropower-heavy grid, is one of the few regions globally that can credibly produce hydrogen with near-zero emissions intensity.

Export opportunities extend beyond raw hydrogen fuel. Fuel cell systems, hydrogen storage solutions, and system integration services all represent areas where British Columbia SMEs could gain international market share if supported with the right trade infrastructure and investment climate.

What institutional stakeholders say about future prospects

Institutional sentiment toward Canada’s hydrogen sector is generally optimistic but measured. While the hydrogen economy promises long-term growth, commercial viability often hinges on policy support, infrastructure readiness, and global market coordination. Analysts view federal support for SMEs as a critical step in accelerating real-world deployment and encouraging private investment.

Experts have also noted the importance of international engagement through trade missions and technology fairs. By elevating Canadian innovations onto global stages like hy-fcell, the Canadian Hydrogen Association is actively shaping demand channels and building the country’s hydrogen brand.

There is also a recognition that Canada must move swiftly to establish itself as a preferred supplier. Other nations, including Germany and Australia, are already advancing state-backed hydrogen export corridors. Delays in production scaling or market access could risk marginalizing Canada’s hydrogen leadership.

Outlook for British Columbia’s hydrogen sector in 2025 and beyond

Looking ahead, observers expect continued federal–provincial collaboration in hydrogen infrastructure, certification standards, and industrial deployment. British Columbia is likely to benefit from future investments into hydrogen fueling stations, portside export terminals, and workforce training programs tailored to hydrogen-related manufacturing.

Emerging technologies such as solid oxide fuel cells, advanced hydrogen carriers, and modular electrolyzers are being developed within British Columbia, and their commercialization could further reinforce the province’s clean tech profile.

On the policy front, Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations and Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act are expected to further shape the demand landscape for hydrogen solutions, especially in industrial sectors like steelmaking and logistics. British Columbia’s early-mover advantage could position it as a supplier not just to export markets but also to domestic decarbonization projects.

A strategic push for export-led clean tech growth

The CAD 466,956 federal investment into the Canadian Hydrogen Association represents a targeted, ecosystem-focused intervention aimed at converting British Columbia’s hydrogen innovation into global economic outcomes. By concentrating support on SMEs and enabling access to export markets, the funding strengthens Canada’s clean tech value chain while directly contributing to climate, economic, and industrial policy goals.

As British Columbia’s hydrogen industry gains momentum through coordinated government and industry actions, this announcement may mark a pivotal moment in Canada’s trajectory toward becoming a global leader in clean hydrogen technologies and services.