Atlantic Hydrogen Wins Innovation Award

By Alexandra Davis – The Daily Gleaner | link to original article

Atlantic Hydrogen Inc. was one of 15 New Brunswick companies honoured Monday night for its innovative business practiceThe Fredericton-based company was nominated by Enterprise Fredericton and was recognized at the Delta Fredericton Hotel during Business New Brunswick's sixth annual Innovation Recognition Banquet.

David Wagner, president and CEO of Atlantic Hydrogen, said he was proud to see his company receive recognition for its achievements.

« I think any time you're recognized by your peers or those who judge the value of the work you do it's gratifying, » he said. « It's a tribute to our staff, who have spent many years working on our technology. »

The company has developed a technology called CarbonSaver. Wagner said to the best of his knowledge it's the only technology of its kind.

« It treats natural gas by removing some of the carbon in the natural gas before you burn the fuel, » he said. « It's very new, and it's something that our company has been focused on now for eight years. »

Wagner said CarbonSaver has a number of benefits.

« Environmentally, when you remove some of the carbon, you are also removing the emissions of carbon dioxide that are created when you combust natural gas, » he said. « We reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful emissions that would normally go into the air as a result of the combustion process in using natural gas.

« Also, it produces a valued carbon. It's a clean product that has commercial value in a number of applications such as industrial rubber products like tires, inks, dyes and so on. It's quite a valuable commodity. »

Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud, who's also responsible for Business New Brunswick, presented the award to Wagner and the 14 other recipients. Each winning business was nominated by their community economic development agency.

The award ceremony marked the beginning of Small Business Week.

Robichaud spoke about the importance of innovation in business and said it's a quality his government wants to foster in New Brunswick companies and individuals.

« Innovation … helps us to be better, more efficient and more productive at what we do, » he said. « Innovation is that great, simple idea. It's that new process on the factory floor, that simple use of technology or that new product design that gives our companies the edge over their competition. »

He said he plans to encourage original products and ideas by strengthening the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation with a $2-million program for researchers, cutting the small-business tax rate by 50 per cent and providing more funding for downtown and business park development efforts.

« We are so lucky in this province to have world-class enterprises, innovative entrepreneurs and great explorers, » Robichaud said. « Together we will pursue growth that leads to lasting, meaningful jobs in all parts of New Brunswick. »