The Burnaby plant, just outside of Vancouver, will produce hydrogen through electrolysis, using the BC electric grid, which is primarily composed of hydroelectric power.

HTEC says the one-tonne-per-day installation will produce hydrogen with a carbon intensity of less than 18g CO2e/MJ.

In addition to the electrolyser, the site hosts a 0.8-tonne liquefier, which will use industrial by-product hydrogen to ensure a steady supply.

The project secured over CAD $50m ($35.8m) in public funding, and will form part of the company’s H2 Gateway programme, which aims to build up demand and supply for hydrogen in transportation.

“This facility marks a major milestone,” said HTEC President and CEO Colin Armstrong. “By producing clean hydrogen at scale, we’re cutting emissions today and paving the way for a zero-emission transportation future.”

HTEC plans to build and operate up to 20 refuelling stations across BC and Alberta, with CAD $337m ($241m) in funding from the Canadian Infrastructure Bank. In April, the company opened its sixth refuelling station.

Last summer, the firm said it would deploy 100 hydrogen-powered trucks in BC through a leasing subsidiary to help it coordinate demand, backed with CAD $10.3m ($7.4m) in funding from the Canadian energy ministry.

In addition to Burnaby, it also intends to establish production in Nanaimo and Prince George, as well as establish a 15-tonne-per-day by-product hydrogen liquefier in North Vancouver.