The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) has announced the completion of landmark, multi-jurisdictional studies offering a comprehensive view of the supply, demand, and trade flow potential for low-carbon hydrogen across the Pacific Northwest. Commissioned by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, and the Government of Alberta, these analyses provide critical insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and Indigenous and Tribal Nations to better understand the economic landscape, funding tools, and policy frameworks supporting hydrogen development and deployment. This collaborative effort aims to accelerate regional energy transition, attract significant investment, and create high-quality jobs.

The Pacific Northwest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Analysis, a first-of-its-kind study, explores cross-border collaboration opportunities between British Columbia and Washington state. "The Pacific Northwest has long been at the forefront of energy innovation," stated Matt Morrison, PNWER executive director, emphasizing the region's commitment to building an interconnected, low-carbon hydrogen economy. Joe Nguyen, Commerce Director, highlighted Washington's leadership in clean hydrogen, noting its role in reducing emissions and strengthening the clean technology industry. Adrian Dix, British Columbia's Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, underscored the province’s commitment to a world-leading hydrogen economy through the Clean Energy and Major Projects Office. Both jurisdictions possess alternative electricity grids and existing hydrogen technology expertise crucial for infrastructure and energy development. The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2), part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, plans to establish eight hydrogen hubs across Washington, Oregon, and Montana over the next 6-10 years, further solidifying the region's hydrogen infrastructure.

Concurrently, the Alberta Hydrogen Analysis expands upon the province's 2021 Hydrogen Roadmap, which outlines a comprehensive strategy for hydrogen production, research, and carbon capture. This new study puts forward recommendations to enhance Alberta’s hydrogen funding and regulatory landscape, support new and existing hydrogen hubs, assess potential for hydrogen-fueled transportation, and explore export opportunities to other Pacific Northwest provinces and states. "Hydrogen can be a game changer for Alberta and the Pacific Northwest’s energy diversity and security," remarked Brian Jean, Alberta's Minister of Energy and Minerals. Alberta already boasts a well-established hydrogen value chain with hubs in Edmonton and Calgary, aiming to expand this network. Projections indicate a significant increase in hydrogen demand in Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho by 2050, necessitating robust bilateral trade capacity and cross-border cooperation.

Both studies were presented at the PNWER Annual Summit in Bellevue, Washington, and are available online. Building on these foundational analyses, PNWER intends to lead the establishment of a Pacific Northwest Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition, in partnership with the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association and Montana Renewables. Modeled after the Minnesota SAF hub, this coalition will convene regional stakeholders from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and western Canada to support the production, storage, and deployment of SAF in the Pacific Northwest, with an initial meeting planned for late summer 2025. Funding for these studies was provided by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, the Province of British Columbia, and the Province of Alberta, underscoring the strong governmental backing for these initiatives.