Simon Fraser University (SFU) has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Siemens Canada that will advance research collaboration on clean hydrogen technologies and expand opportunities for innovation, training and industry-academic engagement.
The agreement is just one way SFU is leading climate innovation and energy-transition research in Canada. This SFU-Siemens partnership enables joint exploration of a state-of-the-art hydrogen testing facility and deeper collaboration between SFU's Clean Hydrogen Hub and Siemens' product development teams.
"Climate Innovation is a strategic research priority for SFU, and the agreement furthers SFU's commitments to engage in critical research partnerships that mobilize knowledge and support community-centred climate innovation. SFU is committed to building partnerships that accelerate real-world climate solutions," says Dugan O'Neil, vice-president, research and innovation.
"Working alongside a global industry leader like Siemens strengthens our ability to translate research into impact, advancing hydrogen technologies, supporting Canada's clean-energy priorities and creating opportunities for our students, researchers and partners."
Advancing Canada's clean-energy future
Through the MOU, SFU and Siemens will jointly identify and evaluate opportunities to co-develop research projects supporting hydrogen production, performance testing and digital transformation. Siemens' proposed involvement includes leveraging expertise in automation, smart microgrids, energy management, and cybersecurity.
"Partnerships are essential to accelerating the technologies that will power Canada's clean-energy future. Through our collaboration with Simon Fraser University and the Clean Hydrogen Hub, Siemens Canada is helping advance hydrogen innovation that will strengthen Canada's clean-energy leadership and support a more sustainable, competitive economy," says Faisal Kazi, President and CEO of Siemens Canada.
These areas align directly with the Clean Hydrogen Hub - one of SFU's Core Facilities and flagship research platforms - which brings together academia, industry, government and community partners to accelerate the development and adoption of clean hydrogen technologies.
The collaboration also highlights shared interest in supporting Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, ensuring that innovation projects contribute to national economic and sustainability goals, and Canada's international leadership in hydrogen energy innovation.
A partnership for global impact
As Canada and the world move toward net-zero emissions, university-industry partnerships like this are central to accelerating breakthrough innovation. By combining SFU's research capacity in climate innovation, and leveraging the Clean Hydrogen Hub, with Siemens' extensive global technology portfolio, the agreement aims to drive new advances in hydrogen performance, digitalization and sustainable infrastructure.
"This MOU represents the kind of forward-looking partnership that helps position SFU - and Canada - at the forefront of the global clean-energy transition," O'Neil adds. "Together, we can create the knowledge, technologies and skilled workforce needed for a sustainable future."
About the SFU Clean Hydrogen Hub
Based at Simon Fraser University, the Clean Hydrogen Hub is a one-megawatt testbed and global research and innovation platform dedicated to advancing hydrogen production, storage, and applications. The hub works across disciplines and sectors to reduce the costs of clean hydrogen production and co-develop technologies that will decarbonize Canada's economy.
The Clean Hydrogen Hub is made possible through funding from PacifiCan, NorthX Climate Tech, FortisBC Energy Inc, the BC Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions via the Innovative Clean Energy Fund, and the City of Burnaby.
