Join CUTRIC for the launch of our highly anticipated Professional Development (ProDev) program with our inaugural workshop:
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses and Canada's Hydrogen Supply Chain: CUTRIC Professional Development Workshop, 25-001.
Developed over several years with support from government funders and shaped by the direct needs of our members, this workshop offers a crucial deep dive into hydrogen as a transformative clean energy solution for public transit in Canada.
As the nation moves towards a greener future, understanding the intricacies of hydrogen fuel cell technology and its associated supply chain is becoming essential for professionals across the mobility sector.
This one-day intensive session is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of hydrogen fuel cell bus operations, the evolving Canadian hydrogen supply chain, and the critical role these technologies play in decarbonizing urban mobility.
You’ll gain practical insights and a forward-looking perspective on the opportunities and challenges in this rapidly developing field.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for:
- Transit professionals and operators
- Engineers and technical staff
- Urban planners and municipal officials
- Policymakers and government representatives
- Clean energy advocates and researchers
- Anyone involved in sustainable transportation or hydrogen initiatives in Canada.
Workshop Details
- Limited seating: To ensure a high-quality, interactive learning environment, this inaugural workshop is limited to just 12 participants. Register early to secure your spot!
- Convenient timing: This workshop will be held for one full day immediately following the CUTRIC Western Summit, making it a perfect opportunity to extend your trip and minimize travel costs.
- Location: Details regarding the exact location in Okotoks and/or Calgary will be confirmed shortly. This will be an accessible venue to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand hydrogen's role: Grasp the fundamental role of hydrogen as an energy carrier in Canada's clean energy transition and climate goals.
- Analyze FCEB technology: Comprehend the principles, components, and operational advantages/challenges of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) in public transit.
- Navigate the supply chain: Identify key elements of Canada's hydrogen supply chain, including production, storage, transportation, and refueling infrastructure.
- Apply best practices: Learn from successful FCEB deployments and case studies to inform future projects and overcome implementation hurdles.
- Interpret policy & outlook: Understand current Canadian policies and regulatory frameworks impacting hydrogen adoption, and anticipate future trends in the sector.
The course content will be delivered across five comprehensive modules, designed for an engaging and informative one-day session.
Congratulations to the course graduates!
Secure your spot today for this unique opportunity to advance your professional capabilities!
Please Note: Flight and accommodation expenses are not included and are the responsibility of the participant.
CUTRIC Professional Development Workshop: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses and Canada's Hydrogen Supply Chain (25-001)
This curriculum ensures participants gain a comprehensive view of Canada’s emerging hydrogen fuel cell bus landscape and hydrogen supply chain.
It will include an overview of Ballard’s pioneering history and evolving technology; Edmonton’s realworld case;
New Flyer’s manufacturing and design; HTEC’s strategic deployment support; CUTRIC’s
technical analysis and coordination; infrastructure expertise from Enbridge
AGENDA
Introduction & Context
• Purpose of workshop
• Overview of hydrogen fuel‑cell bus technology:
○ How it works
○ Zero‑emission benefits
○ Typical range
○ Fueling infrastructure basics (hydrogen + oxygen → water)
○ Bus range of up to ~480 km in Edmonton
• Audit of global deployments (> 5,600 buses worldwide, but limited in North America)
History of FCEBs: Ballard Power Systems
• Timeline:
○ From first fuel‑cell bus demo in Vancouver in 1993 to commercial deployment of over 2,000 fuel cell buses
• Ballard’s technology evolution:
○ Fuel cell product performance improvement supported by 200 million km of road experience.
○ Latest FCmove product overview
Transit Agency Case Study: Winnipeg Transit
• Winnipeg as Canada’s first “fleet-level” hydrogen fuel‑cell electric bus program with multi-platform deployments.
• Hydrogen supply chain solutions to serve central Canada.
• Fuel‑cell bus performance: up to 480 km range
• Integration into electric bus fleet (~60 battery‑electric buses already in service)
• Results to date: uptime, range, maintenance, costs vs. battery‑electric, lessons learned
Break
Deployment Design & Transition Planning: HTEC & CUTRIC
• HTEC’s full value chain approach to support transition planning to heavy duty transport deployment.
Manufacturing & Technology: New Flyer Industries
• Evolution from Low Floor fuel‑cell prototypes (2006 Winnipeg Invero demo) to Xcelsior CHARGE FC (XHE model)
• Specification & deployment: Ballard‑powered fuel‑cell XHE buses in California (AC Transit, SunLine, OCTA)
Lunch Break
Fuelling & Infrastructure: Enbridge & Vallourec
• Enbridge Gas Inc.:
○ Hydrogen supply infrastructure
○ Conversion of natural‑gas pipelines or supporting hydrogen refuelling readiness (demo partnerships via AZEHT, MiWay)
• Vallourec:
○ Steel pipes/tubes for high‑pressure hydrogen transport and fuelling stations
○ Role in enabling safe infrastructure design
Operational Outcomes & Challenges: Agency Panel
• CUTRIC: overview of the Pan‑Canadian Hydrogen Fuel‑Cell Electric Bus Demonstration (10 FCEBs; partners include MiWay, New Flyer, Ballard)
• Challenges:
○ Hydrogen cost (Canada/US)
○ Capital equipment cost (buses ≈ US $1.2 M vs. ≈ US $750 k for BEBs)
○ Station capital & maintenance estimation
Break
Future Pathways: Scaling Fuel‑Cell Buses in North America
• Market outlook:
CUTRIC ZEB Database, Report #6 and growth in FCEB demand in Canada
Workshop Wrap‑Up & Action Planning
• Summary:
○ History, current deployments, technology, infrastructure and economics
• Working session:
○ Participants draft actionable plans for pilot deployment
○ Evaluate suppliers (Ballard, New Flyer, HTEC)
○ Confirm infrastructure readiness
○ Define metrics
• Next steps:
○ Coordination, funding, technical partnerships
SPEAKERS
Andrew Cassidy
North America Business Development Manager- Hydrogen Storage
David Cavallin
Technical Sales Manager
Josipa Petrunic
President & CEO - CUTRIC
Norman Chor
Senior Accounts Manager
Terry Howe
Director, Business Developement - HTEC
mohammad.kharouf
Senior Scientist & Projects Lead - CUTRIC
