Programs

Below is a list of federal programs that support research, development and demonstrations of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies at this time. 

Defence R&D Canada is involved in the International Energy Agency ANNEX VIII PEM Fuel Cells through the Royal Military College of Canada, the Program of Energy Research and Development and has fuel cell development contracts with Canadian firms in this area.  Projects are managed through the Defence Industrial Research Program.

Environment Canada - Science and Technology Strategies Directorate coordinates, reviews and provides strategic advice on S&T programs and international initiatives.  Environment Canada’s objective is to ensure hydrogen is produced in a cleaner and environmentally sustainable manner.

Industry Canada - Resource Processing Industries Branch develops and implements policies, programs and services to promote international competitiveness and sustainable growth in the natural resources processing industries (except for agriculture and fisheries). The Resource Processing Industries Branch plays a catalytic role in advancing Canada's transition to a hydrogen economy through initiatives such as advocacy and advice; promotion of international strategic partnerships; coordination, communications, education and outreach; support for research and market demonstration; and policy, analysis and recommendations on sector commercialization issues.

Government of Canada - ecoENERGY Technology Initiative  (ecoETI) is a $230-million investment in science and technology to accelerate the development and market-readiness of technology solutions for clean energy. ecoETI is directed towards: increasing clean energy supplies, reducing energy waste and reducing pollution from conventional energy.

Government of Canada - Program of Energy Research and Development (PERD) is an interdepartmental program operated by Natural Resources Canada.  PERD funding is allocated to energy-related research and development activities supported by federal departments.  PERD supported R&D is designed to ensure a sustainable energy future for Canada, in the best interests of both our economy and our environment.

National Research Council of Canada - Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides technical and business advice along with potential financial support to small and medium sized Canadian enterprises. The program is delivered in communities across the country. IRAP supports innovative research and development and to help companies become commercialization-ready with their new products and services.

National Research Council of Canada - NRC Fuel Cell Program, is a national initiative that is fostering the emergence of a viable, knowledge-based and sustainable fuel cell industry in Canada. The Program mobilizes fuel cell expertise and research strength from a network of NRC research institutes across Canada. Participating Institutes work closely with regional R&D providers, universities, government agencies and local industry to support the development of regional fuel cell clusters. By linking these institutes through a coordinated national program, the NRC is building the Canadian fuel cell industry. The NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation in Vancouver is home to the NRC Fuel Cell Program. 

Natural Resource Canada, CanmetENERGY - Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Transportation Energy group (HyFATE) partners with industry and other federal and provincial agencies to develop and deploy new transportation technologies, including hydrogen and fuel cells, advanced fuels and hybrid and electric vehicles. The group supports research, development and demonstrations through cost-shared agreements, standards development and technology transfer, both domestically and internationally.  Most of these projects are funded by the Program of Energy Research and Development and the ecoENERGY Technology Initiative. HyFATE also manages a hydrogen and fuel cell research laboratory at CanmetENERGY’s research centre in Ottawa, Ontario. 

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Canada (NSERC) invests in people, discovery and innovation by supporting basic university research through discovery grants and partnerships among universities, governments and the private sector, and also by helping provide for the advanced training of highly qualified people. For more information, visit NSERC’s Partnership Programs.

Transport Canada supports research into future fuels including hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles through freight and advanced vehicle demonstrations. The ecoTransport Programs are designed to reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and committed to demonstrating and encouraging the uptake of innovative technologies.