Transforming Transportation: AMTA Industry Innovations Expo Showcases Alberta’s Leadership in Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels
Sept. 26, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) is proud to announce the Industry Innovations Expo, set to take place at the Edmonton Expo Centre on September 26, 2024. This event will showcase the significant hydrogen and alternative fuel advancements and innovations in Alberta’s heavy-duty transportation sector, underscoring AMTA’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and Alberta’s position as a hydrogen leader.
Since the Alberta Government introduced the Alberta Hydrogen Roadmap in 2021, there has been a strategic push to integrate hydrogen into the province's economy. This comprehensive strategy outlines the pathway to harnessing hydrogen as a key component of Alberta's energy mix, emphasizing its potential to reduce emissions, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
AMTA has been at the forefront of this transition, leading numerous initiatives to advance alternative energy sources, including hydrogen, in the heavy-duty transportation sector. The association has successfully introduced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen diesel dual-fuel vehicles to Albertan fleets. These efforts are crucial to supporting emission reductions in road transportation and ensuring that Alberta becomes a hydrogen superpower.
“Our initiatives have laid a strong foundation for alternative energy adoption in heavy-duty transportation,” says Robert Harper, AMTA President. “The introduction of FCEVs, investments in hydrogen production, storage, distribution, along with mechanic and safety training has positioned Alberta as a leader in the hydrogen economy. We are excited to continue this momentum and showcase our achievements at the Industry Innovations Expo.”
A highlight of the Expo is the Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC), a $22 million project supported by Emissions Reduction Alberta that is spearheading two critical advancements in the sustainable energy economy. The first is the production of fuel-cell grade hydrogen from Alberta’s natural gas, a significant step in leveraging the province’s resources to fuel a sustainable future. The Expo marks the official launch of the AZETEC trucks, a milestone in Alberta’s hydrogen journey. The AZETEC project has developed the first heavy-duty Class 8 FCEVs designed for Canadian weights and winter conditions. These trucks are poised to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel for long-haul transportation, setting a new standard for zero-emission trucking in Canada.
“We have seen tremendous support for hydrogen and alternative fuel adoption within Alberta’s transport community,” says Tim Bennett, AMTA Board Chair. “AMTA and its partners have forged a realistic pathway for adopting alternative energy vehicles in heavy-duty trucking. Technological advancements have led to shorter fueling times and the ability to handle Canada’s heavy payloads, long ranges and winter climate.”
The Expo is expected to attract attendees from across Canada, including commercial carriers, municipalities, industry associations, and government representatives. For the first time, carriers will have the opportunity to see, touch and experience a variety of cutting-edge alternative energy technologies in one place, including Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hydrogen Diesel Duel-fuel (H2DF) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles. The Expo will host a series of informative sessions designed to provide carriers and industry professionals with valuable insights, bringing together experts that specialize in training, permitting, insurance and more, offering a comprehensive view of what it takes to transition to alternative fuel technologies. It will also feature participation from students and highlight career opportunities in the hydrogen sector, fostering the next generation of talent in sustainable energy.
Contact: Kelsey Hipkin Manager, Communications
Alberta Motor Transport Association
Phone: 403-837-9978
Email: kelsey.hipkin@amta.ca
About the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA)
Founded in 1938, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) is a not-for-profit advocacy and safety training association that serves as the Voice, the Standard, and the Resource for commercial transportation in the province. AMTA offers a wide range of services to our members, including regulatory updates, workplace supports, and an array of safety and training initiatives. With a strong focus, AMTA is at the forefront of the commercial transportation industry’s transformation. The AMTA and its members have advanced the commercial transportation industry through safety programs, progressive policy and partnerships. Our influence is evident on every highway—where the work we do, the training and expertise we impart, becomes clear-cut confidence behind the wheel. Through advocacy, training, and innovation, AMTA supports the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including hydrogen, to drive the future of transportation in Alberta.