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Home > About > News > In Pursuit of Clean Energy
December 18, 2024
Calgary-based startup Gradient Thermal Inc. and their syncFURNACE technology combines space and water heating into one highly-efficient combi-furnace for residential and small commercial applications.
Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, provides energy without releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). When burned for energy or used in a fuel cell it only emits water, giving it the potential to be a major source of clean energy.
As the largest hydrogen producer in Canada, Alberta has the resources, infrastructure, expertise, and technology needed to quickly become a global supplier of low-cost clean hydrogen. Advancing Alberta’s efforts to expand its hydrogen economy is the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence.
The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence accelerates technology and innovation across the hydrogen value chain, closing innovation and support gaps, and strengthening Alberta’s hydrogen economy. The Centre positions the province as a world leader in the innovative production, deployment and use of hydrogen across our economy—acting as a connecting forum to bring together researchers, academics, innovators, industry, and various levels of government.
Led by Alberta Innovates, together with its partners InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies, the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence supports studies, opportunity analyses, and the development of codes and standards, as well as fostering the development of partnerships to advance the integration of hydrogen into the energy system.
The Centre targets five leading markets for hydrogen energy that have significant economic opportunity for Alberta—residential and commercial heating; power generation and storage; exports; transportation; and industrial processes.
An example of the Centre maturing technology across the hydrogen ecosystem is Calgary-based startup Gradient Thermal Inc. The company’s syncFURNACE combines space (air/furnace) and water heating into one highly-efficient combi-furnace for residential and small commercial applications.
Gradient has been advancing 100% hydrogen syncFURNACE research and development since 2021 with the goal of creating the first ever residential heating appliance fuelled entirely by hydrogen. “Gradient creates the most effective heating systems for better homes, combining space furnace heating and hot water in a single appliance.” says Jennifer Doepker, Vice President, Gradient Thermal Inc. “Continuing that innovation for zero-emission home heating just makes sense.”
Currently fuelled by natural gas, Gradient’s syncFURNACE has been converted to be fuelled by 100% H2, with technology innovation to meet safety and performance requirements. Developed and manufactured in Alberta, this innovation would provide employment opportunities as manufacturing scales up, helps diversifies the Alberta economy, and proves for industry the viability of hydrogen for home heating.
“We’re very proud to have developed North America’s first hydrogen fuelled combined heating appliance in Alberta, showcasing a viable hydrogen value-chain alongside industry leaders ATCO and Qualico and thanks to support from Alberta Innovates,” adds Doepker. Gradient has five proof-of-concept units currently installed and are operating in Alberta—four at ATCO’s Energy Discover Centre in Fort Saskatchewan, and one in Qualico’s HomeOne 100% hydrogen show home in Sherwood Park. It is estimated that the 100% Hydrogen syncFURNACE will eliminate approximately eight tonnes of CO2 per home per year.
These units being tested will inform the performance requirements of future prototype designs to be trialed in new builds and home conversions kits. Additional third party testing and development will be undertaken with the goal of proving a viable end-use application for hydrogen with the potential of eliminating GHGs from residential heating for North American homes.
Interest in hydrogen is gaining momentum globally, offering opportunities to achieve economic and environmental objectives in Alberta and beyond. Hydrogen is an important priority for Alberta and the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will continue to add value to the province’s economy by investing in clean technology research and innovation that focuses on improving environmental sustainability and economic diversification.