The push is on for New Brunswick to become a leader in clean hydrogen development.

On Tuesday, provincial officials released their long-awaited five-year Hydrogen Roadmap.

Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland said the roadmap will serve as the foundation for developing the industry in New Brunswick.

“Hydrogen is a rapidly emerging solution for carbon emission reduction,” Holland was quoted in a news release.

“We intend to grow our province’s position as a leader of clean energy solutions while continuing to diversify our energy mix to ensure affordable and reliable energy that will meet the needs of New Brunswickers..”

The roadmap outlines 13 actions, using the province’s location, natural resources and existing capabilities, to position New Brunswick to be a “clean hydrogen leader and innovator,” according to the document.

Action items in the plan include developing two “major” hydrogen hubs — one in Saint John and one in Belledune.

Irving Oil announced in 2022 that it will expand hydrogen capacity at its Saint John refinery with the goal of offering hydrogen fuelling infrastructure in Atlantic Canada.

Other items include working with First Nation communities to identify partnership opportunities and creating a new fund for innovation, research, and support for domestic pilot projects.

Holland said hydrogen has many advantages and is suited for long-distance trucking and heavy transportation applications.

Where industrial energy processes require intense heat, hydrogen can be used to replace natural gas, he said.

You can view the roadmap on the Government of New Brunswick’s website.