B.C. invests in cleaner, more innovative industry
- Source Name
- Government of British Columbia
- Source URL
- https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022ENV0059-001377
Originally Published: September 14, 2022
B.C. invests in cleaner, more innovative industry
The Province is investing in projects that will reduce climate pollution, create job opportunities for people in the clean economy, and support innovation in industry.
“Our government is cutting carbon emissions and creating good jobs in communities across B.C. with the CleanBC Industry Fund – an internationally recognized program that supports climate solutions,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “We are investing in projects that spur innovation and are building a path to net-zero emissions.”
The CleanBC Industry Fund is investing $25 million in carbon tax revenue to support 26 new projects that will cut emissions, fast-track innovation and advance future emissions reductions. The projects are part of the third round of the program and will leverage close to $12 million of additional funding from industry into the clean economy.
“By investing in innovative alternatives to fossil fuels, Kruger Products is working to lower our environmental footprint at our warehouse in New Westminster,” said Mark Evans, general manager, Kruger Products. “Through CleanBC, we are switching our entire fleet of lift trucks to battery electric models that will help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, as well as localized air pollution on site. These types of investments are part of our sustainability program, Reimagine 2030, and support our transformative growth and sustainable innovation.”
Funded projects are chosen based on a competitive process through an evaluation of project plans, business cases and the potential to cost-effectively reduce emissions.
“We continue to work closely with the Province through CleanBC to advance innovative ways to fight climate change through reducing emissions,” said Gil Clausen, president and CEO, Copper Mountain Mining Corporation. “This includes expanding the Copper Mountain Mine electric-mine haul-truck trolley system – the first system of its kind in Canada. Hauling mine rock makes up the majority of our facility emissions. Tackling this will make the single largest impact to help us reach our goal of net-zero emissions and supply the world with responsibly produced copper, which is essential for delivering a more sustainable future for everyone.”
The CleanBC Industry Fund is an important part of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, the Province’s plan to expand and accelerate climate action by building on B.C.’s natural advantages – abundant and clean electricity, innovative technology and a highly skilled workforce. It sets a path for increased collaboration to build a British Columbia that works for everyone.
Quotes:
Don Lindsay, president and CEO, Teck Resources Limited –
“With the support of CleanBC, Teck completed a detailed study for a carbon capture and storage pilot project at our Trail Operations metallurgical facility; an important step forward in our climate-action strategy. This program highlights the alignment between government and companies like Teck to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions.”
Oliver Patsch, president, Lehigh Hanson – Canada Region –
“As part of our Beyond 2020 strategy, Lehigh Hanson and our parent company, HeidelbergCement, are working to reduce our carbon footprint across the cement and concrete value chain. By 2030, we want to reduce our specific net carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50% of 1990 levels and we want to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. By working with the Province, we are exploring new opportunities through detailed study of a marine terminal and large-scale grinding facility that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from our production process in support of this goal.”
Quick Facts:
- The CleanBC Industry Fund is a central part of the CleanBC Program for Industry, which was recognized with an award for the most creative climate solution at the 2021 United Nations climate conference in Glasgow by the Under2 Coalition, a global alliance of state and regional governments committed to ambitious climate action.
- Provincial funding for the first three rounds of CleanBC Industry Fund projects is more than $160 million, with more than $220 million coming from industry and other sources.
- In total, current CleanBC Industry Fund projects are expected to cut more than approximately 6.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over a 10-year period, which is the same effect as removing 138,000 cars from the road each year during that time.
Learn More:
To learn more about CleanBC Industry Fund and to see the full list of projects, visit: www.cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/industryfund
To read the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, visit: www.cleanbc.ca