Energy
UBC-Seaspan research collaboration investigates impacts of biofuels on climate and health
November 4, 2025
Over the past year, a unique research collaboration between interdisciplinary experts at the University of British Columbia and local marine transportation company, Seaspan Ferries, is trying to address unanswered questions key to unlocking decarbonization in the marine industry. The collaboration provides an exciting opportunity for four separate research labs to work together, analyzing real-world emissions […]
Working to accelerate sustainable ship propulsion, Dr. Patrick Kirchen named Rosenblatt Professor in Marine Engineering
November 13, 2024
Associate Professor Patrick Kirchen has been named the inaugural holder of the Rosenblatt Professorship in Marine Engineering at UBC. This new Professorship was made possible by Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates LLC, and provides five years of support for research and educational programming that accelerates the implementation of sustainable, low carbon intensity fuels in the […]
New UBC research facility accelerates innovation in B.C.’s hydrogen energy sector
June 14, 2024
$23-million Smart Hydrogen Energy District shows viability of integrated energy systems. B.C.’s hydrogen infrastructure enters a new era with today’s launch of the $23-million Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) at UBC. Equipped with a hydrogen fueling station, this facility is expected to pave the way for breakthroughs in critical energy research. SHED will produce hydrogen […]
German President visits UBC Hydrogen Testbed
May 3, 2023
Last week, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier toured Dr. Walter Mérida’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED), as part of his visit to Canada. SHED is a unique testbed that re-envisions how hydrogen technologies, energy storage and renewable energy generation could be integrated into infrastructure solutions. SHED is scheduled to open shortly, transforming the area next to Thunderbird […]
UBC’s Smart Energy District
July 8, 2022
It’s about to change the future. Article by Chris Petty, from UBC Trek Magazine. UBC’s Vancouver campus is testing a solar- and hydrogen- driven smart energy system. If you happen to pass the block bounded by Thunderbird Boulevard and Wesbrook Mall on UBC’s Vancouver campus, take note: you are experiencing history being made. That block […]
UBC clean hydrogen technology deployed to Alberta in a $7 million collaboration
October 25, 2021
New hydrogen technology developed at UBC could soon be providing clean energy in Alberta, thanks to a $7 million project between UBC, the government of Alberta and Alberta utility company ATCO. The technology developed by the UBC researchers — methane thermal cracking — can produce up to 200 kilograms of hydrogen a day using natural gas, without […]
UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hub
May 5, 2021
UBC NEWS: ‘Test bed’ showcases clean energy solutions – receives $5.6 million funding from Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. A new $23 million renewable energy hub will transform an entire city block at the University of British Columbia into a smart energy district, including the province’s first-ever hydrogen refuelling station for light […]
Researchers receive NSERC Alliance grants for sustainable energy collaborations
February 16, 2021
Two faculty members at the Department of Mechanical Engineering have received NSERC Alliance grants to support their collaborations with local sustainable-energy companies. A relatively new initiative, the NSERC Alliance grants began in 2019, and aim to bring together academic and industry expertise, seeking to more quickly translate research results into wider use. Dr. Walter Mérida […]
UBC researchers design roadmap for hydrogen supply network across B.C.
September 17, 2019
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia. Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a hydrogen supply chain model that can enable the adoption of zero-emission, hydrogen-powered cars—transforming them from a novelty into everyday transportation in just 30 years. In a new study published this week, UBC researchers […]
Next-Generation HDPI in Diesel Engines
December 17, 2018
Collaboration Case Study: Next-Generation HDPI in Diesel Engines Overview Westport Innovation Inc. is collaborating with the Clean Energy Research Centre to improve Westport’s unique High Pressure Direct Injection (HDPI) system for diesel engines. Internal combustion engines are the primary system used for industrial transportation and power generation. The significant North American Natural Gas reserves present […]









