April 24, 2025 (Edmonton, AB) – Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is taking hydrogen adoption to new heights by partnering with Diesel Tech Industries (DTI) to explore the integration of the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System on two of the airport’s heavy-duty runway snow sweepers.
YEG will be Canada’s first airport to explore the adoption of DTI’s innovative hydrogen and diesel technology in its runway snow sweepers – vehicles considered from a hard-to-abate fleet. With funding support from Alberta Innovates, the initiative is designed to reduce YEG’s carbon emissions from ground operations, advance hydrogen adoption in the transportation sector and support the global aviation industry’s journey to explore more sustainable practices.
The runway snow sweepers, which currently operate on diesel fuel, will be retrofitted using the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System, which holds the potential for existing Tier 3 diesel engines to use hydrogen as a supplementary fuel while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions without requiring extensive infrastructure modifications. The project will require addressing the unique challenges of higher-emission Tier 3 engines, including a more demanding, high-load operational cycle and the complexity of the dual-engine configuration used for airport snow removal.
The system offers immediate benefits, including lower diesel consumption, reduced emissions and advanced data tracking for fleet management and regulatory compliance.
“This project presents a bold opportunity to push the boundaries of hydrogen adoption, particularly within the aviation industry. Reducing emissions from airport ground fleets, especially runway snow sweepers that are designed to operate in demanding winter climates, is a crucial step toward sustainability. Hydrogen/diesel dual-fuel technology offers an innovative pathway to decarbonization, and we are excited to continue to showcase the practical benefits of hydrogen at YEG.”
Peter Agnew, Vice President, Infrastructure, Facilities & Airside Operations
“Edmonton International Airport, in partnership with DTI, is a groundbreaking achievement for international travel and the hydrogen economy on a global scale. Airports are vital transportation hubs that operate internationally, making this project a significant demonstration of hydrogen’s potential in high-demand environments. The success of this initiative will showcase how hydrogen can transform off-road operations worldwide, proving that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand on or off-road.”
Rebecca Goldsack, COO, Diesel Tech Industries
“This project is a compelling example of hydrogen adoption in Alberta which accelerates the transition from research to market-ready solutions. Alberta is a hub for high-impact innovation partnerships that make a difference for the province’s economy, its people—and in our partnership with YEG, for the over 7 million passengers who use YEG annually.”
Mike Mahon, CEO, Alberta Innovates
The conversion of the runway sweepers will begin in spring 2025 and take approximately one year to complete. Together, YEG and DTI aim to leverage this partnership to inspire further adoption of hydrogen technology across commercial transportation and energy sectors, underscoring Alberta’s efforts in the global commitment to fostering a worldwide hydrogen economy.
This initiative supports a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from YEG’s airside operations and contributes to Alberta and Canada’s decarbonization goals. It will also help de-risk hydrogen technology offtake in Alberta, foster innovation in the province’s growing hydrogen economy and contribute to developing a skilled clean energy workforce.
About Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is driving economic prosperity for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and beyond. It is Canada’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the largest major Canadian airport by land area, generating an economic output of over $5.3 billion and supporting over 23,500 jobs.
YEG’s Airport City Sustainability Campus is a living lab for innovation and sustainability, including hydrogen and drone technology, supporting our advancements towards net-zero by 2050. As an Airport for Everyone, YEG provides a welcoming space that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion. For more information: www.flyeia.com
About Diesel Tech Industries (DTI)
Diesel Tech Industries (DTI), founded in 2005 in Edmonton, Alberta, is a technology for the transportation company specializing in innovative solutions for hard-to-decarbonize sectors. A subsidiary of Diesel Tech Truck Repair (est. 1999), DTI designs, engineers, and manufactures proprietary systems that integrate with engine data to improve vehicle performance, reduce emissions, and support fleet safety.
DTI’s flagship innovation, the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System (HDS), enables diesel engines to operate with blended hydrogen fuel—offering an immediate pathway to lower emissions without extensive infrastructure upgrades. Through partnerships like the one with Edmonton International Airport, DTI is demonstrating how hydrogen can drive sustainability across heavy-duty and off-road operations. For more information: www.dtiguardian.com
About Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, it is Alberta’s innovation engine. Alberta Innovates fosters and accelerates research and innovation to benefit citizens and drive economic growth. Alberta Innovates works across sectors to fund, partner and enable entrepreneurship throughout the province. The corporation operates in 11 locations with more than one million sq ft of industrial testing and lab facilities and 600 acres of farmland. Learn how Alberta Innovates: www.albertainnovates.ca
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Media Contact:
Jody Hrabiwchuk
Senior Communications Campaign Advisor
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Phone: 825-975-7336
Email: news@flyeia.com
Alexis Leonard
Marketing Generalist
Diesel Tech Industries (DTI)
Phone: (780) 455-9876
Email: Alexis@dtiguardian.com
