Edmonton International Airport (YEG) has announced a partnership with Toyota for 100 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that will soon be on Alberta's roadways.

The Canadian airport said this initiative will reduce carbon emissions and contribute to YEG's goal of being net zero by 2040.

It added that as a key development in Alberta's clean fuels journey, this would be the first fleet of hydrogen-powered zero-emission vehicles in Alberta.

"These vehicles and our partnership with Toyota Canada will help reduce emissions, attract investment and kick-start the Edmonton Metro Region's 5,000 Vehicle Challenge, which aims to have 5,000 hydrogen and hydrogen dual-fuel vehicles on the road in Alberta by 2028," said Myron Keehn, president & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG).

The YEG statement noted that mass adoption of FCEVs concurrently requires a demand for vehicles and a supply of hydrogen fuel.

To build this critical mass and help decarbonize fleets that call the Airport City Sustainability Campus home, YEG said it has been coordinating efforts for various fleets and fuel suppliers to invest in this technology confidently.

"We commend Edmonton International Airport for taking the bold and innovative step to introduce zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles to their fleet. Along with battery electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and other emerging technologies such as e-fuels, Toyota believes hydrogen will play an important role in a multi-technology approach to reducing carbon emissions in Canada," said Stephen Beatty, vice president, Corporate, Toyota Canada Inc.

He added that YEG's fleet of Toyota Mirai FCEVs will help accelerate the use of hydrogen in Alberta, and having on-site hydrogen fueling infrastructure will make the airport a hub for the growth of Alberta's hydrogen fuel economy.

Randy Boissonnault, minister of tourism, associate minister of finance, and MP for Edmonton Centre, noted that diversifying Canada's energy portfolio is key to helping the country achieve its 2050 net-zero goals.

"Today's announcement with Toyota Canada and the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) further positions the Edmonton region as a national leader in hydrogen, providing local businesses, residents and visitors access to FCEVs for their transportation needs," he added.