Federal investments in Alta. cleantech projects announced

Minister Vandal announces federal investments to support clean technology advancements across Alberta (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)

CALGARY — On Jul. 4, Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced federal funding of more than $21.9 million for 13 projects to bolster Alberta’s clean technology sector through the commercialization and adoption of new applications that offer environmental benefits across a wide range of industries. Examples of projects receiving support include:

• Alberta Innovates is receiving $10 million to launch a production and testing facility to support the commercialization of new technologies that help produce low-cost carbon fibre using bitumen.
• The Battery Metals Association of Canada is receiving $850,000 to support growth of the battery metals sector in Western Canada by enhancing collaboration and educating stakeholders.
• Carbon Management Canada is receiving $1,168,000 to enhance its emission management technology validation facility where small- and medium-sized businesses can test, refine, and commercialize carbon capture products and technologies.
• Kuva Canada is receiving more than $4 million in repayable funding to grow market share of its automated methane monitoring products and software which safely detect methane leaks more accurately, faster and at a lower cost than traditional methane inspection technologies.
• The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is receiving $174,000 to conduct a comprehensive review of the Métis Housing portfolio energy efficiency plan that will provide prioritized recommendations to increase the energy efficiency of homes and support their Climate Change Action Plan.

Projects receiving funding will have try to have significant environmental and economic benefits across the Prairies, including reportedly supporting more than 415 jobs and enabling Alberta firms to take advantage of growing market demand for clean energy solutions.

“Our government is making strategic investments to build on Alberta’s proven ability to commercialize innovative clean energy solutions that have environmental and economic benefits. Today’s investment in these 13 projects will help ensure that Alberta businesses can capitalize on new opportunities to meet global demand for clean technology know-how and expertise. These investments, in conjunction with enhanced collaboration supported by the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, will help build a stronger and more sustainable economic future across the Prairies,” said Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.