B.C. announces $105 million B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy

VICTORIA, B.C. – The province is launching the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy in the fall to further the battle against climate change.

The announcement was made Friday and will have the federal and provincial governments, along with Shell Canada, foot the $105 million bill.

The future of B.C. -based clean technologies will be the focus, bringing together innovators, industry, governments and academics to accelerate commercialization and advancement. The province says it will also be a catalyst for new partnerships and world-leading innovation to deliver near- and longer-term carbon emission reductions.

The centre will also support new technology to accelerate larger reductions to reach 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.”

The centre’s initial focus areas for funding and project delivery will include:

The centre will be established as a member-based, non-profit corporation operating independently from government and private entities, said the province. Its intent is to attract a wide range of companies and partners that share a common focus on low-carbon innovation and scaling up B.C.-based clean-energy technology.

“The Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy is part of our government’s commitment to create a better future by building an inclusive, sustainable and innovative economy with new clean-energy jobs for people throughout B.C.,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

“The centre will help B.C.-based companies develop, scale up and launch new low-carbon energy technologies and will help establish B.C. as a global exporter of climate solutions.”