f-cell+HFC 2020 event comes to a close – International hydrogen and fuel cell leaders kick off the era of hydrogen energy

The f-cell+HFC 2020 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Digital Event welcomed over 352 participants from 20 countries to share the latest on R&D advancements, product deployments, new collaborations and emerging solutions in hydrogen and fuel cell (HFC) technologies. The online conference was well-attended by representatives from sector companies, governments, product suppliers, research institutes, investment firms, auto manufacturers and port operators.

Hosted digitally this year by the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) and Peter Sauber Agentur (PSA), f-cell+HFC 2020 featured two days of presentations by over 92 speakers ranging from industry executives, climate specialists, investors and academia, as well as politicians and end-users who addressed the important role that hydrogen and fuel cells play in decarbonizing global energy systems and achieving Paris Agreement climate change targets by 2050.

The opening plenary, delivered by the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources, revealed that Canada is close to finalizing its National Hydrogen Strategy. In his speech, the Minister detailed how the country will become one of the top three producers of hydrogen in the world and declared that “hydrogen’s time has come!” Following the opening plenary, which also featured Jürgen Rechberger (AVL) and Dr. David Hart (E4tech), a series of impactful talks highlighted the immense progress that the global hydrogen and fuel cell industry has achieved, such as increased commercial penetration of HFC energy technologies across diverse sectors ranging from transportation and material handling to stationary power and natural gas, and to mining and port operations.

Several major announcements also took place at f-cell+HFC 2020. The BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources announced $10 million in additional funding to support the deployment of new hydrogen fueling stations and fuel cell electric vehicle fleets as well as a provincial hydrogen and fuel cell partnership (Hydrogen BC); Hydrogen Optimized signed an MOU with ABB to develop large-scale green hydrogen production systems connected to the electrical grid; and Ballard Power Systems unveiled its new FCwave fuel cell module which will power zero-emission marine vessels.

Special highlights also included targeted workshops focusing on the deployment of hydrogen energy in various sectors. The CHFCA Ports and Maritime Workshop featured updates on HFC adoption in worldwide ports, and discussed marine propulsion, shorepower for ocean-going vessels, and container handling equipment powered by fuel cells. The Role of Utilities in a Hydrogen Economy Workshop, sponsored ATCO, CGA, Enbridge Gas and FortisBC, highlighted the important role that Canada‘s natural gas distributors can play in creating demand for low-carbon hydrogen, decarbonizing distribution networks used for space and water heating, and providing an alternative transportation fuel. Conference participants were also inspired by advancements and ideas exchanged in the Women in Hydrogen Workshop which was sponsored by the Trade Commissioner Service and explored the ways in which women navigate the hydrogen and fuel cell industry.

The International Digital Trade Fair featured 20 exhibitors who displayed their developments while creating and strengthening business contacts through the event’s innovative virtual platform. A highlight of the CHFCA’s exhibit was their new video that addressed why hydrogen and fuel cells have a critical role in decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation and aiding the world’s efforts to combat climate change. The video can be viewed on the CHFCA’s YouTube channel: youtu.be/ty5Sxus7V9Q. The next international event is f-cell Stuttgart (Germany), which takes place on September 29+30, 2020. As the 20th annual event for hydrogen and fuel cell experts, f-cell Stuttgart provides an extensive overview for relevant international markets and industries as well as technological advancements. The interactive format offers an ideal platform for experts and newcomers alike to connect, discuss, and set up sustainable business relationships, with conference sessions and a large international trade fair. Tickets for both onsite and online participation are still available at f-cell.de.

ABOUT F-CELL+HFC

Held under the patronage of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) and the Peter Sauber Agentur (f-cell), f-cell+HFC is the leading event for hydrogen and fuel cells and is designed to accelerate the fight against climate change by connecting international industry executives with senior government leaders, investors and researchers. Together, we work to accelerate and scale-up projects that can produce, integrate and store hydrogen, and to identify paths to support the near-term demand for increased hydrogen fuel cell use in commercial industrial applications. Next year’s event will take place in Montréal on June 20-24, 2021, as a part of the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention, under the moniker WHTC 2021 together with f-cell+HFC. More details at whtc2021.org