British Columbia is leading the way in clean technology with companies developing clean energy projects funded through the Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund.

“Through CleanBC, we are supporting made-in-B.C. innovations that will help grow our world-leading clean tech sector and create good jobs,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “The same technology and ideas needed to reduce climate pollution will drive economic growth and help B.C. businesses succeed in the global market for clean energy, products and expertise.”

The $8.5 million in ICE funding supports companies like Powertech Labs, which is working to advance fuelling for medium and heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles that will support decarbonizing Canada’s transportation sector. This is an important part of reducing climate pollution and meeting B.C.’s climate targets, as set out in CleanBC.

Other funded projects include Ionomr Innovations to develop its ion-exchange membrane and polymer solutions. Ionomr Innovations’ clean technology can be used within the power devices of zero-emission vehicles and store energy for renewable power generation, such as batteries used in power plants or electrical grids.

Clir Renewables received funding to develop an artificial intelligence wind farm optimization software, a software-as-a-service tool to help wind farm operators identify problems and increase the amount of power they produce.

“Expanding innovation creates jobs, strengthens communities and better positions B.C. companies at the forefront of a growing global market in clean technology solutions,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Our CleanBC climate and economic plan will continue to expand opportunities for clean energy production, transportation, natural resource extraction and other sectors.”

Part of the government’s CleanBC plan, the ICE Fund supports the research, development and commercialization of clean energy technologies that will reduce B.C.’s emissions and create new economic opportunities for people.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quotes:

Raymond Lings, president and CEO, Powertech Labs Inc. –

“B.C. has long been a pioneer in advancing hydrogen and clean energy technologies. We’re proud of the critical role that Powertech has played, and our achievements can be seen in today’s fuel cell vehicles and infrastructure around the world.”

Bill Haberlin, CEO, Ionomr Innovations Inc. –

“British Columbia has long been the epicentre of hydrogen fuel cell development and is now turning its technology leadership into an economic advantage. Ionomr is emerging as a global player in the sector, and we look forward to providing customers with advanced ion-exchange material solutions that offer crucial commercial benefits for clean power generation.”

Gareth Brown, CEO, Clir Renewables Inc. – 

“As a clean tech business in B.C., it is brilliant to see the provincial government make funding available for local businesses to develop solutions to fight climate change. The ICE funding has been critical in our success to optimizing wind farms globally and has enabled us to secure further outside investment into the company to create 50 well-paid jobs here in B.C.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2008, the ICE Fund has committed approximately $104 million to support pre-commercial clean energy technology projects, clean energy vehicles, research and development and energy efficiency programs.
• ICE funding is derived from a levy on the final sale of specified energy products – currently natural gas, fuel oil and propane distribution systems.
• ICE Fund partnerships have included First Nations, universities, municipalities and many emerging clean tech companies throughout British Columbia.
• Technology demonstrations have included bioenergy, solar, ocean tidal, geo-exchange, desalination, energy management, smart grid and waste-to-energy.
• Some projects received additional funding from partners including Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).
• Projects funded by SDTC are a part of B.C. and Canada’s three-year $40-million Joint Call Partnership launched in March 2017 to support the development of pre-commercial clean energy projects and technologies.

Learn More:

To learn more about the ICE Fund, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/innovativecleanenergyfund

The CleanBC plan helps reduce pollution and power B.C.’s future with renewable energy:
https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

A backgrounder with more information on the projects follows.