2025 Nominees

The Hydrogen Digital Innovator Award recognizes novel digital technologies advancing the hydrogen industry. All technologies in this category should be at stages of initial production and rollout, full production mode, or commercial (postpilot stage). This category is open to digital technology concepts that are less than five years old and are considered “game changers” in the energy industry.

Nominees are:

Edmonton Global

As a part of the Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) project by Edmonton Global, a total cost of ownership calculator (TCO) has been developed to assist fleet managers in decision making on purchasing zero emission vehicles. The calculator compares the TCO between Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (H-FCEVs), Hydrogen-Diesel Dual Fuel vehicles (H2-DF), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles (CNG) and traditional diesel vehicles

EnviroApps Inc.

EnviroApps is streamlining compliance with Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations by digitizing TDG shipping documents for hydrogen transport. This not only reduces paper waste but also enhances safety, ensures compliance, lowers costs, and simplifies ESG data collection. Every year, over 30 million TDG movements occur across Canada, each carrying potential risks to human life and the environment. TDG regulations were designed to prioritize public safety, requiring that shipping documents travel with dangerous goods. However, paper-based compliance can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. For nearly 40 years, the industry has relied on paper TDG shipping documents, but digital solutions offer a better way. Digital documents can be accessed instantly from multiple devices, allowing drivers to focus on safety and enabling first responders to receive clear, accurate information in emergencies. Transport Canada’s TDG blitz identified inaccurate shipping papers as a top compliance issue, prompting support for digital adoption through the Regulatory Sandbox Project. EnviroApps' digital TDG shipping documents improve safety, compliance, and efficiency for hydrogen transport. By eliminating paper-based updates, companies can seamlessly manage fueling records and ensure full TDGR compliance while reducing risks for first responders.

TOSSA Sustainability Services Inc.

In the shift towards clean energy, processes, and operations, hydrogen has emerged as a key solution in combating climate change and achieving net-zero targets. However, the hydrogen industry still faces environmental and sustainability challenges.  A current and urgent challenge for the industry is the availability of tools that enable evidence-based decision-making to derive optimal ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and sustainability strategies to balance productivity, economics, emissions, growth and social acceptability.   TOSSA, is an innovative automated cloud-based digital tool designed to revolutionize sustainability assessment across various industries including the hydrogen sector. Central to its functionality is life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA), a method that assesses environmental, economic and social impacts of products, services and processes along their entire life cycle, following relevant ISO standards. Our technology provides automated ESG and sustainability assessment for hydrogen products/technology/corporate operations as well as directions to adjust those operations optimizing their outcomes. Our solution enables companies, decision struggling -makers, technology developers and policy-makers in the hydrogen industry especially those who work with assessing environmental, economic and social impacts to pinpoint hotspots and select options that will result in improved sustainability and ESG outcomes. This could lead to better corporate/industry image, greater investment, and adaptation to cleaner operations.

The Hydrogen Technology: Equipment or Process Controls Award recognizes highly disruptive innovations in equipment that have had a major impact on hydrogen efficiency, emissions, economics, scheduling, or quality. This category also acknowledges products or services specific to controls that make a positive impact to the hydrogen industry. All technologies in this category should be at either: initial production and rollout, full production mode, or commercial (post-pilot). If the underlying solution is digital, it should be submitted under the Hydrogen Digital Innovator Award category.

Nominees are:

Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA)

Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC)

The Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC) is developing and testing two hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks designed for long-haul freight in Canada’s extreme winter conditions. Built on a Freightliner glider chassis with Dana’s electric drive and Ballard Power Systems’ fuel cells, these Class 8 trucks aim to replace diesel engines with zero-emission hydrogen technology. The trucks will be tested on the Edmonton-Calgary corridor to evaluate performance, fueling efficiency, and commercial viability. Hydrogen is produced from Alberta’s natural gas using carbon capture to minimize emissions, then transported and compressed for refueling. Over 18 months, the project will collect operational data to support large-scale hydrogen truck adoption, reduce emissions, and advance clean transportation infrastructure.

Golu Hydrogen Technologies Inc.

Modular, On-Site, Carbon-Negative Renewable Hydrogen Generation

Hydrogen is difficult to source, purify, transfer, and store. Golu has solved these costs with on-site production- Hydrogen where and when it is needed. Golu-H2 is the world’s first technology converting readily available, abundant renewable ethanol to Hydrogen, with the highest efficiency of any hydrogen process today. Ethanol and Water is converted to Fuel Cell Grade Hydrogen, while simultaneously capturing atmospheric Biogenic Food-grade CO2 as a co-product. With the high efficiency and CO2 capture, Golu units are ideal for energy storage as well. Our commercial units generate 1MW or 26MWh/day in a compact, 40ft container. The overall power density when attached to a fuel cell for power generation is 3.6kWh/kg, while capturing atmospheric CO2.

Hydrofuel Canada Inc

Photocatalytic Solar Fuels Process

Professor Ozin's work in heterogeneous photocatalytic production of solar chemicals and fuels is an extraordinary example of scientific innovation that blends fundamental chemistry with practical applications. Through his research, Professor Ozin and his team have developed cutting-edge photocatalytic systems that use sunlight to drive the production of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, ammonia, methanol and other chemicals and fuels from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane, and water. This process not only harnesses the power of renewable solar energy but also addresses critical global challenges, such as energy storage, carbon dioxide mitigation, and the production of green hydrogen, all while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH

Optimizing Green Hydrogen Electrolyser Plant Efficiency with Advanced Power Quality Solutions

For optimizing green hydrogen electrolyser plants, we combine harmonic filters and reactive power compensation systems with intelligent on-load tap changers (OLTC). This synergy ensures efficiency, reduces energy losses, and extends the equipment lifespan, aligning with sustainable energy goals.

Next Hydrogen

Next Hydrogen's Patented Integrated Gas-Liquid Separator Electrolyser Module Design

Next Hydrogen electrolyser module’s groundbreaking features, such as integral gas-liquid separation and independent fluid flow paths in each half cell, create significant benefits including: • High fluid flow rates, i.e., high production rates • Reduced complexity by eliminating common internal manifolds and external piping • “Smart”, self-regulating fluid flows that eliminate costly electrolyte pumps • Inherent scalability, enabling modularity and improved reliability • Small footprint, weight, and height allow high outputs from compact units.

University of Alberta

The Hydrogen Project Award recognizes small, medium, and large-scale projects globally. Projects in this category will be judged on technological advancement and impact on the community. All projects entered will need to be either completed within the 2023/2024 time period or will be projected to be completed or advanced planning stage by the end of 2024 in order to be considered.

Nominees are:

ATCO EnPower

ATCO EnPower spearheaded the design and construction of two hydrogen production and fueling facilities for CPKC. These facilities featured the installation of 1MW PEM Electrolyzers for hydrogen production, along with compression, storage, and dispensing equipment to refuel CPKC's hydrogen fuel cell locomotives and tender cars located in Edmonton and Calgary.

Edmonton Global

Western Canada is at a crossroads in its transportation evolution, and hydrogen is the key to unlocking a cleaner, more efficient future. The Decarbonizing Western Canada’s Transportation Sector initiative, led by Deloitte and Edmonton Global, provides a transformative roadmap for adopting hydrogen-powered Class 8 trucks and buses at scale. This project identifies strategic hydrogen corridors, addresses cost and infrastructure barriers, and outlines a bold vision for accelerating hydrogen adoption in long-haul transportation. With key refueling infrastructure investments planned between Edmonton and Calgary, alongside the development of a Western Canada hydrogen corridor extending to Prince George, this initiative is poised to make hydrogen a commercially viable and competitive alternative to diesel.   By leveraging dual-fuel retrofits, fleet operators can immediately reduce emissions while transitioning to full hydrogen solutions. The project also focuses on bending the cost curve, targeting hydrogen fuel prices at $5.35/kg?a critical threshold for achieving total cost of ownership (TCO) parity with diesel trucks. With industry collaboration, financial incentives, and fleet operator engagement, this initiative will establish Western Canada as a leader in hydrogen transportation, supporting Canada's net-zero ambitions.

EverWind Fuels

EverWind is North America's leading independent green hydrogen developer. EverWind received the first Environmental Approval in North America for a large-scale green hydrogen project, and is well progressed in design, engineering, and development for the first phase of both its green energy generation projects and the production facility which will convert this energy into green hydrogen and green ammonia. EverWind owns and operates the deepest ice-free berth on the East Coast of North America, with world-class access to rail, roads, and pipelines. Our safety-first culture, evidenced through 19 years without a lost time injury, reflects a highly skilled and extensively certified workforce.  EverWind has three First Nations equity partners and is a champion for meaningful engagement with Rightsholders and the advancement of social and economic reconciliation. At a local level, the Company works closely with municipalities and stakeholder organizations.  EverWind is concurrently developing a world-scale green fuels project on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland & Labrador. This project will be critical in delivering the scale and competitive wind resource required to support the green energy transition ambitions of some of the largest industrial companies in the world. EverWind continues to engage with communities and stakeholders on the Burin Peninsula and work closely with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure the economic, social, and environmental prosperity of the region for generations to come.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

The Hydrogen Early Adopter Award honors trailblazers in climate action who have shown outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing hydrogen solutions. This esteemed award recognizes organizations at the forefront of hydrogen adoption, celebrating those that have invested in pilot or groundbreaking demonstration projects within industrial or commercial settings. By championing hydrogen’s commercial potential, these pioneers are helping to shape a more sustainable future. 

Nominees are:

Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA)

AMTA has been instrumental in introducing heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles to Alberta, driving industry adoption through key initiatives.

The AZETEC project, launched in 2019, developed Canada’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks. Built with Canadian technology, these vehicles were assembled in Ontario, tested in Quebec, and delivered to Alberta in 2024. The project also explored hydrogen production from Alberta’s natural gas. The Hydrogen Vehicle Demonstrations (HVD) program allowed commercial carriers to test hydrogen fuel cell and dual-fuel trucks for short-term trials, with hands-on training provided. The first hydrogen trucks arrived in Alberta in 2022, leading to test drives, fueling trials, and expanded industry participation. By 2024, AMTA partnered with OEMs to formalize training and data collection under the Zero Emission Truck Testbed (ZETT) project. The ZETT project, supported by Transport Canada and Deloitte, is evaluating the feasibility of hydrogen and battery-electric trucks with four Canadian carriers, focusing on performance data, training, and regulatory requirements. To support these efforts, AMTA helped establish Alberta’s first fuel-cell-grade hydrogen station in Sherwood Park. AMTA also leads hydrogen training for drivers and first responders, ensuring safe adoption and paving the way for a sustainable hydrogen transportation network in Western Canada.

ATCO Gas and Pipelines/Qualico Communities

This groundbreaking project exemplifies Qualico and ATCO's dedication to innovative energy solutions and economic growth within Alberta. While hardly unusual or noteworthy from the outside, HomeOne is a milestone years in the making, following intensive research and studies.   HomeOne serves as a model of the hydrogen-heated homes planned in Qualico's 100% hydrogen-heated community in Strathcona County in partnership with ATCO before breaking ground. The house can be found in Sherwood Park, within Qualico's established SummerWood community. It showcases how comfort, beauty, and efficiency can come together seamlessly.  HomeOne is a proof point for the future of low-carbon residential heating and is an essential step in designing and building large-scale, hydrogen-heated communities here in Alberta.

Cariboo Clean Fuels Inc.

Partnering with local operators and First Nations, Cariboo is developing a clean-fuel corridor across Western Canada. This initiative includes over 10 locations, supporting 1,000+ trucks, attracting over $500 million in investment, and generating as many as 500 jobs during construction and operation. Additionally, it will reduce over 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.   Cariboo is revolutionizing hydrogen solutions with a turn-key, no-upfront-capital model that eliminates the longstanding chicken-and-egg" dilemma hindering the hydrogen ecosystem. By integrating production, storage, and dispensing, Cariboo delivers cost-effective hydrogen solutions to all industries as well as the agricultural sector, and local municipalities looking for solutions to reduce emissions.  Cariboo is advancing a number of the planned locations with first hydrogen as early as 2025.

City of Edmonton

The City of Edmonton is advancing multiple projects to reduce fleet and facility emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040. The Alberta Zero Emissions Fleet Fueling Project is developing a scalable hydrogen fueling system to accelerate sustainable fuel adoption. It includes testing a hydrogen vehicle with on-road emissions monitoring and creating an operational plan for infrastructure, workforce training, and fleet transition. The Alberta Zero Emission Hydrogen Transit (AZEHT) Project continues testing fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) in winter conditions while refining a long-term fleet transition plan. It includes ongoing FCEB operations at ETS and Strathcona County Transit, data analysis by the Transition Accelerator, and a final report summarizing performance, GHG reductions, and scale-up potential. Alberta’s Commercialization and Hydrogen Infrastructure Strategy will also be finalized. The eCamion Energy Storage System Pilot at the Kathleen Andrews Transit Garage focuses on reducing transit emissions and improving energy efficiency. In 2025, it will deploy a pilot battery storage system, integrate solar PV panels, and enhance bus charging capacity while optimizing electricity use. The Zero Emission Fleet Program supports the safe deployment of light, medium, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, accelerating Edmonton’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable fleet.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

The Clean Energy Professional Upskilling Program, created by NAIT in collaboration with Upskill Canada/Palette Skills, is a dedicated 16-week training initiative aimed at equipping individuals from diverse backgrounds with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the Canadian Clean Energy sector. The program’s success is not just measured by its curriculum which provides valuable insights into critical topics such as the Hydrogen Economy, safety, and emerging technologies, but by the real-world impact. This program has already enabled over 80 participants with diverse backgrounds, many of whom self-identified as visible minorities, to transition into Clean Energy careers in partnership with nearly 30 Companies working in the hydrogen space.

SFC Energy AG

The Emerging Hydrogen Leader Award acknowledges an up-and-coming individual whose efforts have already made a significant contribution to their organization, industry or community that go above and beyond their normal day to day duties. The nominee should stand out in terms of strategic thinking, leadership, community involvement and the pursuit of excellence in their field. The nominees in this category will have been in the energy industry for 10 or less years. Self-nominations are permitted in this category.

Nominees are:

Paul Ghotra, Founder and CEO, CIMtech Green Energy Mfg Inc.

Dr. Paul Ghotra is the Founder and CEO of CIMtech Green Energy Mfg Inc., a leading innovator in the green energy sector. With over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing electrolyzers and hydrogen fuel cell assemblies, Paul has spearheaded the company’s growth, positioning CIMtech as a pivotal player in green energy and manufacturing. His leadership fosters a culture of innovation, sustainability, and economic decision-making, driving CIMtech’s commitment to revolutionizing design for manufacturing processes, all while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

Elizabeth Gadowski, Business Development Account Manager, Energy Transition and Hydrogen, De Nora Tech

With her strategic vision, market expertise, and commitment to advancing hydrogen solutions, Elizabeth exemplifies the qualities of an Emerging Hydrogen Leader. Her contributions since joining De Nora have not only expanded commercial opportunities for green hydrogen at De Nora but have also played a critical role in shaping the future of clean energy.

Mohamed Khaja, Project Manager, Hydrogen Initiative, Edmonton Global, Edmonton Global

Mohamed, originally from Tamil Nadu in South India, came to Canada in 2021 to pursue a Master’s in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change at Carleton University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Anna University in India and brings a strong technical background to the Edmonton Global team. Before his current role, he managed research projects at Brilliant Energy Institute and oversaw production at Carleton University’s ISEMA Journal. At Edmonton Global, Mohamed’s work lies with clean energy, particularly hydrogen, where he blends technical expertise with policy insights.

Tahrim Alam, Senior Metallurgical Engineer, Enbridge Gaz Québec

Tahrim is a leading expert in the field of gas network materials compatibility, particularly with natural gas-hydrogen blends. With a steadfast dedication to safety and optimal performance, Tahrim has spearheaded significant advancements in demonstrating the suitability of gas networks for hydrogen blending at high concentrations. This groundbreaking work is unique globally in terms of scope and size, driving sustainable energy practices and securing Enbridge Gaz Quebec’s future in a regulatory environment that promotes decarbonization.  Currently, Tahrim is at the forefront of the Hydrogen Blending project at Enbridge Gaz Quebec, focusing on asset compatibility. This initiative is positioned to create future opportunities and establish Enbridge Gaz Quebec as a leader in sustainable energy practices. In addition to his project leadership, Tahrim is actively involved with several influential Code Committees and Joint Industry Projects (JIPs), including the CSA Work Group, PRCI, and HyBlend. He leads pioneering testing projects, such as thin-walled steel pipe testing under distribution conditions and assessing the hydrogen compatibility of cast iron assets, efforts that have the potential to benefit the entire industry.  In 2024, Tahrim published four journal papers in esteemed publications like the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and presented his research at major international conferences, including CGA and ISOPE. His work addresses critical gaps in the transition to a safe and reliable hydrogen economy, positioning him as a leader in advancing sustainable energy solutions.  Tahrim’s unique combination of expertise, dedication, and leadership makes him an invaluable asset to the industry, driving innovation and setting benchmarks for safety and sustainability in the transition to a low-carbon energy future.

The Hydrogen Leader of the Year Award acknowledges an individual whose efforts have made a significant contribution to their organization, industry or community that go above and beyond their normal day to day duties. The nominee should stand out in terms of strategic thinking, leadership, community involvement and the pursuit of excellence in their field. The nominees in this category will have been in the energy industry for 10 or more years. Self-nominations are permitted in this category.

Nominees are:

Hailey Laibida, Manager, Hydrogen Project Development, ATCO Gas and Pipelines

Hailey Laibida, Manager of Hydrogen Project Development at ATCO, is a professional civil engineer with over a decade of experience in the energy sector. Known for her leadership and thoughtfulness, Hailey is a driving force behind hydrogen advancements, both in technology and legislative advocacy. At ATCO, she leads a dynamic team of experts in natural gas, responsible for the scoping, design and execution of groundbreaking projects, including the Fort Saskatchewan Hydrogen Blending pilot, the Energy Discovery Centre, and Home One: All first-of-their-kind initiatives in Alberta. ATCO has a track record of delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective energy solutions and Hailey’s work is helping ATCO shape the future of hydrogen energy.

Rebecca Goldsack, COO, Diesel Tech Industries      

Rebecca Goldsack, COO of Diesel Tech Industries (DTI), leads innovative efforts to integrate hydrogen technology into dual-fuel systems for the commercial transportation sector. Her strategic leadership has positioned DTI as a pioneer in advancing the hydrogen economy in Canada. As Chair of Hydrogen Alberta under the Canadian Hydrogen Association, Rebecca advocates for expanding hydrogen infrastructure and adoption nationwide. She has also made two mission trips to Ottawa to advance policies aimed at reducing the cost of hydrogen for industries and consumers.

Brent Lakeman, Executive Director, Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB

Brent has been leading clean energy initiatives within Alberta for over three decades. His knowledge of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem and experience in forging industry-government partnerships will help position the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as Canada’s preeminent net zero hydrogen hub.