Element One Invited to Help Shape British Columbia's Hydrogen Strategy

Executive Summary

• Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp. submitted policy recommendations to the Government of British Columbia regarding the strategic review of the B.C. Hydrogen Strategy.
• The recommendations aim to position British Columbia as a global leader in the emerging natural hydrogen industry by establishing a modern, competitive, and investment-friendly policy framework.
• Key proposals include ensuring natural ('white') hydrogen is included in policy and regulation, creating a supportive regulatory environment for low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen, and supporting early-stage geological research to de-risk exploration.

Key Details

• Submission Recipient: Government of British Columbia, specifically the Clean Energy and Major Projects Office.
• Primary Objective: To influence the refreshed B.C. Hydrogen Strategy to capture the specific needs of natural hydrogen.
• Specific Policy Recommendations:
  • Inclusion of natural ('white') hydrogen in policy and regulation development.
  • Creation of a supportive regulatory environment for low-cost, low carbon intensity natural hydrogen.
  • Support for early-stage geological research to de-risk natural hydrogen exploration.
• Company Strategy Context: Element One is developing an integrated natural hydrogen strategy based on exclusive rights to proprietary subsurface hydrogen stimulation technology and a portfolio of exploration assets in British Columbia and Alaska.
• Technical Focus: The company focuses on 'accumulated' natural hydrogen (accumulating in the subsurface through geological processes) and 'stimulated' natural hydrogen (generated in the subsurface through chemical reactions).
• Partnerships: The company is forging strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, Indigenous communities, and government to advance responsible exploration.

Notable Quotes

• "By asking for feedback at this early stage, the Government of British Columbia has created an opportunity to take the lead globally on natural hydrogen," said Element One Chief Operating Officer Tim Johnson.
• "Natural hydrogen is a new industry for British Columbia, with exciting potential. Element One believes that B.C. has significant geological potential for low-cost and low carbon intensity hydrogen to be either extracted from or generated in the sub-surface, often close to sites with high energy demand such as critical minerals mines. Element One hopes the specific needs of natural hydrogen are captured in a refreshed B.C. Hydrogen Strategy."