TORONTO - The Honourable Joseph Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding for six projects that help move Canada closer to realizing the future of clean energy - an era powered by hydrogen. Minister Volpe made the announcements at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells 2004 Conference and Trade Show on behalf of the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). "Canada is a leader in the development of innovative 'green' energy technology, and these projects demonstrate Canada's commitment to the use of cleaner sources of energy," said Minister Volpe. "Through the use of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies, we can lower greenhouse gas emissions and help curb climate change. The continued partnership between the Government of Canada and industry for initiatives such as these will lead us to a cleaner future." The six projects will receive funding totalling more than $2.2 million from NRCan's Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance (CTFCA). The projects are as follows: $547,173 to support the Hydrogen Village, located in the Greater Toronto Area, which deploys and demonstrates hydrogen and fuel cell technologies; $404,094 for integrating material and systems at a hydrogen fuelling station in Vancouver; $945,900 for developing and demonstrating a hydrogen storage tower at the station mentioned above; $300,826 to demonstrate hydrogen fuelling for shuttle buses in Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, and in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; $8,000 for a study of small-scale hydrogen production options in Alberta; and $27,410 to determine the parameters of the Whistler portion of the Hydrogen Highway. The CTFCA is an NRCan initiative established in 2001 to demonstrate and evaluate various options for providing the hydrogen to power fuel-cell vehicles in Canada. Investments in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies are helping Canada reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change, as well as build a more innovative, efficient and sustainable economy poised for future growth. The Government of Canada's approach to climate change is focussed on making the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute to the long-term goals of building a sustainable economy for the 21st century, a healthier environment and strong communities, while affirming Canada's place in the world. For more information, media may contact: Tom Ormsby Ghyslain Charron Office of the Minister Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada Ottawa Ottawa (613) 996-2007 (613) 992-4447
