Alberta’s government announced on Tuesday, August 1 it is investing $45 million through two funding competitions through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund to encourage new hydrogen technologies, and Wheatland County could be in a prime position to become a new energy hub within the province.
A total of $25 million will be available through the Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence stream, which is geared for early-stage innovations-$5 million of this funding is being provided from Natural Resources Canada through its own Energy Innovation Program; an additional $25 million will also be available through the Emissions Reduction Alberta stream for later-stage hydrogen technologies, and locally, Wheatland County is looking at potential benefits.
“We aspire to establish a regional New Energy hub that can meet the power needs of the Calgary region and beyond,” reads a statement from Wheatland County. “Drawing inspiration from the remarkable successes of the Alberta Industrial Heartland in the Edmonton region, we are engaged in continuous dialogue with government bodies at all levels to determine the most impactful path forward.”
The Mail reported in March 2023 that Wheatland County had expressed its interest in attracting new hydrogen and other new energy developments through its “open for business” mindset.
Already the county has attracted Rocky Mountain Clean Fuels Inc. and Nutrien to its municipality, and continues to see “strong interest” from a number of other potential new energy developments. There are already several initiatives at various stages of development underway, including a hydrogen fueling station and carbon sequestration hub, according to the statement.
The county is also partnering with Mount Royal University’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in hopes to “initiate a new energy cohort” and will help the county “cater to the escalating demands of this rapidly evolving sector.”
Neighbouring Starland County shares its Economic Development team have been pursuing investments in the hydrogen industry, though with little success at this time. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Christopher Robblee notes the county may not pursue applications for funding at this time due to a lack of leads and interest, “though it is worth considering.”
The Mail also reached out to Kneehill County but as of press time had not received response back.

The Salvation Army, Freson Bros. and Hi-Way 9 Express are teaming up once again to Stuff the Bus and help replenish the shelves of the food bank.
This tradition, spanning over a decade, has helped bring much-needed food to The Salvation Army Food Bank at a critical time, as families are preparing for back to school.
“What it does for us at this time of year, it makes a significant contribution to our non-perishables,” explains Major Robert Burrell of The Salvation Army. “At this time of year, people around the community bring produce and fresh products, and it is really coming in good. It is the canned goods and the non-perishables that sustain us through the fall and winter period. This drive makes a huge difference for us.”
Stuff the Bus is this Thursday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Freson Bros. parking lot. They will be having a barbecue on site, with the proceeds going towards the local food bank.
They are hoping to fill a school bus with non-perishable food items. With back to school many items are needed such as peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal and pancakes. Other items such as items found in bagged lunches are in need. These include juice boxes, granola bars, cookies, canned fruit and pudding packs.
“Those items help us in a great, great way. Not only help us but the people we are giving it to, that is the important thing,” said Burrell.
He says any donation is appreciated because there is a need for all items.
“It is right across the board. I was looking at the shelves yesterday and we need pretty much anything we can get.”
He adds that the demand for the Food Bank continues to grow, as prices for everything is increasing.
“The cost of grocery bills and everything else continues to grow. People are making choices they shouldn’t have to make. They have to feed their families, and we can help to step-up to the plate and help during these difficult inflationary times,” he said.
For more information, contact Shannon Wade at Hi-Way 9 Express at 403-820-0897 or The Salvation Army at 403-823-2215.