City of Edmonton launches new mobile hydrogen fueling station 

The City of Edmonton, along with other municipalities and energy companies, is launching one of Canada’s first mobile hydrogen fuel stations in South Edmonton, just after a commercial hydrogen refueling station shut down in Nisku in April, less than a year after opening.

The new fuel station under the Alberta Zero Emissions Fleet Fueling (AZEFF), and currently servicing two buses from ETS and one in Strathcona, two passenger cars, and even a waste truck.

Currently, the City of Edmonton says this will not replace the current EV buses, and continues to understand the feasibility of the technology in the province and Edmonton.

“Right now, we are looking at just pilot and proof of concept programs and knowledge, sharing with a variety of partners,” said Arjan Sharma, the fleet facility branch manager for the City of Edmonton.

This is not the first hydrogen fueling station in the province. Earlier this year, the first commercial hydrogen fuel station closed down after the U.S.-based company Nikola filed for bankruptcy. Azzola Hydrogen says this will maintain sustainability as it uses Canadian energy and expertise.

“This is what innovation needs is great partners. We work alongside each other to execute on these projects, and I think that’s what Azzola has proven by today is that we have the right people in place to execute on the project,” said Jared Sayers, the CEO of Azzola Hydrogen.

Azzola’s biodrome uses methanol and deionized water to produce hydrogen fuel. This pilot project will help the company use the technology it’s been developing for the last four years.

“This is not only our first project here, but we also have a project that is double the capacity for the city of Winnipeg,” said Sayers.

This is the first of two mobile fueling stations in Edmonton; the second station will be constructed northeast of the city by 2026.