A new BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy is set to open, funded by the BC government, the Government of Canada, and Shell Canada.
Intended to open in fall 2021, the centre will be a member-based, non-profit corporation operating independently from government or private entities; it intends to bring together innovators, industry, governments and academics to accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of BC-based clean-energy technologies.
The province and Shell Canada both committed $35 million to the centre and the Government of Canada has committed up to $35 million for the centre’s innovative projects.
The centre’s focus areas for funding and project delivery will include carbon capture, utilization and storage; the production, use and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen; biofuels and synthetic fuels (including marine and aviation fuels); renewable natural gas; and battery technology, storage and energy management systems.
The centre is delivered through funding from Budget 2021 and Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program; it will help Canada meet its climate change targets and build a low-emissions energy future.
The province said that the centre intends to initiate new technology pathways to accelerate larger reductions on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050.
“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.”
