Government of Canada invests in clean technology across the oil and gas value chain

Calgary innovations will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving worker and food safety

February 12, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Across Canada and across industries, clean technology companies are supporting growth, creating jobs and protecting our environment. The Government of Canada knows the future of innovation is in clean tech, which is why it is making investments that will promote Canada’s international leadership position in this fast-growing market.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced an investment of nearly $13 million in Calgary-based clean technology companies. The funding is being provided by Sustainable Development Technology Canada, which works with Canadian companies to bring clean technologies to market.

The four companies receiving this investment are developing clean technologies that will have a direct impact on the energy and gas industry throughout the energy production process. All four companies will create jobs in Alberta as they develop and commercialize their products:

• E3P Technologies, Inc. is receiving $3 million to demonstrate a new zero-emission compressor that has the potential to eliminate methane leaks from natural gas compression, which will lower greenhouse gas emissions.

• Fractal Systems Inc. is receiving $7.2 million to make it easier to ship and refine bitumen through a partial upgrading solution that reduces the environmental impacts of bitumen production.

• Sultech Global Innovation Corp. is receiving $900,000 to turn elemental sulphur—a by-product of energy development—into a spray and soil additive that improves the quality and quantity of crops.

• TransRail Innovation Group is receiving $1.85 million to develop an electronic sensor capable of measuring the volume of a commodity inside a rail tank car, eliminating workers’ exposure to hazardous vapours and reducing the risk of spills while filling tank cars.

Quotes

“Clean tech innovation is not limited to one industry: companies in all sectors, including the oil and gas sector, are finding ways to be environmentally friendly. At the same time, action on methane emissions in the oil and gas sector is one of the lowest-cost activities that Canada can take to reduce greenhouse gases. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in companies like the four we are celebrating today: they are supporting growth and creating jobs so that all Canadians can benefit from this exciting market.”
– The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources

“When it comes to clean technology, Canada has the opportunity to be a true global leader, creating good middle-class jobs for Canadians while helping meet our climate change goals. Our investments in these Calgary-based companies will have a direct impact across the oil and gas industries, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving worker and food safety.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“As Canada aspires to be a global leader in low carbon production of oil and gas, these companies will all have a role to play because they target the entire value chain. Technologies like this will contribute to sustained growth in the oil sands, creating benefits for the Canadian economy and beyond.”
– Leah Lawrence, President and CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada

“Our natural compressor will reduce the costs for gas producers due to its compact weight, minimal parts and vast operating range. At the same time, the compressor will eliminate methane leakage normally associated with conventional reciprocating compressors.”
– Ken Bell, President and CEO, E3P Technologies, Inc.

“SDTC’s support is an important contribution to the development of our first commercial project using the Enhanced JetShear technology. This technology improves the efficiency of getting bitumen to market, which benefits producers through reduced costs and increased export pipeline efficiency, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are excited to move forward on our project as quickly as possible to deliver these benefits.”
– Ed Veith, President and Chief Operating Officer, Fractal Systems Inc.

“Sultech and our project partners are pleased to be awarded this SDTC funding as part of our recent Phase II Detailed Proposal. This funding will be used to support the construction and commissioning of a commercial demonstration plant that will produce micronized sulphur fertilizer. We would like to thank SDTC for its support of this innovative technology to help advance plant nutrient sulphur efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.”
– Conor Wrafter, VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Sultech Global Innovation Corp.

“TransRail Innovation Group is introducing Internet of Things technology to the rail industry. Our technology makes crude by rail safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. Today’s funding from SDTC will allow us to commercialize our technology for the global market.”
– Rob Tasker, President and CEO, TransRail Innovation Group

Quick facts

• Sustainable Development Technology Canada helps Canadian entrepreneurs develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address climate change, clean air, clean water and clean soil challenges.
• The 2019 Global Cleantech 100 list, which recognizes companies that embody the most innovative and promising ideas in clean tech, included 12 Canadian companies, 10 of which have received funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada.
• In Budget 2017, the Government provided over $2.3 billion to help clean technology firms grow and expand.
• Clean tech companies can get advice from a team of experts from across government through the Clean Growth Hub. The Hub provides a single, easy point of contact for connecting with clean technology programs and services.

Associated links

• Report from Canada’s Economic Strategy Tables: The Innovation and Competitiveness Imperative

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Follow Sustainable Development Technology Canada on Twitter: @SDTC_TDDC