Government of Canada invests $13.4M to support British Columbia’s clean technology sector
The three investments will improve the competitiveness of the cleantech cluster in BC, generate millions in increased revenue for local companies and create 159 new jobs.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Canada’s Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $13.4 million in funding for local clean technology companies.
The recipients include Loop, which would receive $9.75 million for Loop Energy Inc. Loop is based in Burnaby and is a key supplier of hydrogen fuel cell systems, which support the transition to a green economy. With funding through PacifiCan’s Jobs and Growth Fund, Loop will increase its manufacturing capacity, creating a more sustainable transportation sector in Canada by helping to commercialize zero-emission vehicles.
Acuva is receiving $3 million through PacifiCan’s Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP) program. The Burnaby-based clean technology company delivers water purification systems using proprietary Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode (UV-LED) technology.
This funding will allow Acuva to improve existing products, commercialize new ones and bring them to market. The project is expected to increase revenues and create over 30 new jobs.
Vancouver-based innovator CORE Energy Recovery Solutions Inc. (CORE) also receives $673,050 in BSP funding to commercialize its fuel cell humidifier prototype, a critical part of hydrogen fuel cell systems. With this funding, CORE will increase production and quality control so that the company can make products for heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, such as buses and trucks. The project is expected to create nine new jobs and bolster revenue for the company.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, said, “Companies across Canada are creating innovative solutions to the challenges we are facing. These clean technology investments will help Canada transition to a green economy and create well-paying jobs for British Columbians.”
Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, added, “Unlocking the potential of hydrogen is an essential part of our government’s plan for a sustainable economic future. Hydrogen offers significant domestic opportunities for emissions reductions. It also offers enormous potential as an export opportunity for Canada – providing clean energy to countries around the globe.”
Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour, noted, “British Columbians’ leadership in clean technology is helping to build a stronger, greener Canadian economy. These investments in BC’s clean tech ecosystem will create new job opportunities here in our local community, and the impact of these innovations will stretch far beyond British Columbia.”