An analysis of the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the residential Sector by using hydrogen energy is reported. The residential sectors in provinces across Canada are considered. Greenhouse gas emissions are determined from the consumption of fossil fuels associated with the energy requirements in the residential sector. The use of hydrogen technologies in the residential sector is compared to conventional systems. The results are determined to vary by province, with the greatest attainable annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions observed for heating to be in Alberta (7.2 t CO(2)) and for power generation to be in Saskatchewan (7.2 t CO(2)). The results suggest that hydrogen technologies for heating and power generation are promising options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and its provinces. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.