Summary
- The Province is investing $500,000 for three new clean technology pilot projects along the corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George
- The pilot projects will demonstrate the benefits of zero- and low-emission technology for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles
- The projects will showcase Tidewater Renewable’s renewable diesel fuel, and Empire Hydrogen’s fuel-enhancement modules
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Building on Look West commitments to sustainably expand export capacity, new projects will help communities and businesses in northern B.C. understand the benefits of clean transportation technology and modernize the medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that support import and export activities.
“B.C. is Canada's gateway to Asia and home to a strong innovation sector, creating solutions for challenges here and globally," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. "Through our Look West strategy, these pilots leverage northern partnerships to modernize transportation, create clean-energy solutions and build good jobs. They demonstrate B.C.'s innovation excellence and our work to be Canada's economic engine.”
Government is investing $500,000 through the Integrated Marketplace platform delivered by Innovate BC to support the three pilot projects. Innovate BC will work with the City of Prince Rupert, the City of Prince George, the City of Kitimat and the Town of Smithers to explore how clean-energy solutions, such as renewable diesel and hydrogen, can best be put into practice to bolster B.C.’s transportation sector. The work will feature a variety of pilot projects spanning the corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George, which is a vital passage for interprovincial and global trade.
“We are thrilled to work with the Province and our partners to support the development of northern B.C. as a regional clean-energy hub and serve as a key step in transforming our transportation sector toward future-ready, sustainable growth,” said Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC. “With this investment, we are leveraging the Integrated Marketplace platform to create a pathway to embedding high-impact clean solutions to a vital component of B.C.’s economy, strengthening it for the future and creating new opportunities for our industries, businesses and communities.”
Demonstrating technology with community partners
- The City of Prince Rupert’s operations division will demonstrate medium- and heavy-duty zero- or low-emission vehicle technology and associated infrastructure.
- The City of Prince George’s public works division will demonstrate Tidewater Renewable’s renewable diesel product in a municipal fleet vehicle.
- In Prince Rupert, Smithers and Kitimat, hydrogen fuel enhancement modules will be installed by Empire Hydrogen on heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.
Generating interest in the Northern B.C. Clean Energy Corridor
The Northern B.C. Clean Energy Corridor Project will generate a greater understanding around technical, economic and regulatory feasibility, and track outcomes, including fuel savings, reduced emissions and technology reliability. Data from the pilot project will help fleet operators better understand the benefits of adopting zero- and low-emission fuels and technologies.
This work is part of the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities for people by strengthening the workforce to grow a more independent economy that can stand on its own.
This includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and Quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.
Quick Fact:
- B.C.’s investment in the Integrated Marketplace includes as much as $41.5 million from the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth.
Learn More:
- Learn more about Tidewater Renewables: https://www.tidewater-renewables.com/
- Learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada strategy here: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
- Learn more about Empire Hydrogen: https://empirehydrogen.com/
- To learn more about the Integrated Marketplace, visit: https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/integrated-marketplace
- For more about Innovate BC, visit: https://www.innovatebc.ca/
A backgrounder follows.