B.C. to create new clean energy centre to help with low-carbon innovation, emissions reduction

B.C. to create new clean energy centre to help with low-carbon innovation, emissions reduction
Province of BC

The B.C. government, along with funding from the Government of Canada and Shell Canada, is investing in the creation of the new B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy — a centre that will be focused on developing low-carbon solutions and drive emissions reductions.

According to the government, this centre will be a hub for the collaboration of innovators, industry, governments and academics “to accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of B.C.-based clean-energy technologies.”

The Government of B.C. and Shell Canada have each committed $35 million to the centre and the federal government has committed up to $35 million for the centre’s innovative projects.

Utilizing this initial funding, the centre will be focused on carbon capture, the production, use and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen, biofuels and synthetic fuels, renewable natural gas and battery technology.

READ MORE: Vaccine milestone: More than one-million doses delivered in Island Health

“Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, and we are already seeing its devastating effects. Shifting from our reliance on fossil fuels to low-carbon energy requires an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Premier John Horgan. “That’s why we are working together with industry and government partners to create a centre for innovation and clean energy that will build on B.C.’s strengths as a climate leader. By supporting new technologies, we will stimulate investment and create the good jobs of the future.”

The new clean energy centre is slated to launch in fall 2021 and will operate as a non-profit corporation, independent from government and private entities.

The government foresees this centre as also being a key facility in accelerating larger reductions on B.C.’s path to net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Rising to meet the challenge of global climate change requires joint action from business and government to help scale up cleaner energy solutions,” said Susannah Pierce, president and country chair, Shell Canada. “As a company that has operated in Canada for 110 years, we are keen to invest in low-carbon projects aligned with Shell’s target to become a net-zero emission energy business by 2050, in step with society.”

The federal government hopes that its contribution to the clean energy centre will advance clean-energy technologies that help Canada meet its climate change targets and build a low-emissions energy future as well.

More information on Canada’s Energy Innovation Program can be found here.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!