Zero-emissions trucking: A made-in-Alberta solution

Reading Time

2 minutes

Date

Mar 4, 2026

Recent advances in cleaner fuel technologies show that low-carbon hydrogen can help us reach net-zero, particularly in sectors where cutting emissions is more challenging. When it comes to solutions for fueling our long-haul and heavy-duty trucking sector, vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells provide significant range, higher energy density and faster refuelling times, key requirements for heavy-duty trucking.

Alberta Zero-Emission Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC)

The Alberta Zero-Emission Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC) is a first-of-its-kind, industry-led initiative designed to advance hydrogen-powered heavy-duty freight transportation across Alberta. Led by the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA), the project unites technology developers, researchers, carriers and hydrogen producers to demonstrate real-world performance of hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks along the province’s busiest freight corridor between Edmonton and Calgary. The project was supported in part by Alberta Ecotrust’s Climate Innovation Grant Program, in alignment with our focus area of decarbonization and renewable energy.

The overarching objective of AZETEC is to validate whether hydrogen fuel cell technology can reliably support trucking in Alberta’s demanding climate, including weight limits and long-distance operations. The project also seeks to generate data and insights critical to the growth of Alberta’s hydrogen economy and draws on the expertise of more than 16 partners representing engineering, hydrogen production, safety, telematics, research and fleet operations.

The project demonstrated that hydrogen fuel cell trucks can meet the operational, environmental and performance requirements of long-haul freight operations under challenging conditions. With the tested trucks utilizing low-carbon hydrogen, each truck is anticipated to reduce 2,000 tonnes of CO2e per year, totalling 20,000-30,000 tonnes over a typical service life. Additional outcomes of the project include skill development, valuable learnings on how to safely maintain the trucks and fuelling infrastructure, and identification of policy gaps, setting the stage for further advancement of Alberta’s leadership in the hydrogen freight solution space.

Note: this blog post was adapted from content provided by the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA).

The Climate Innovation Grant Program is supported in part by the City of Calgary and the Edmonton Community Foundation.