SDTC investment will help lower water usage and greenhouse gas emissions in the shale gas industry
April 29, 2019
Government of Canada invests in world-leading clean water technology
April 16, 2019 – Richmond, British Columbia
A strong economy and a clean environment go hand in hand. That’s why the Government of Canada is supporting the development of technologies that lead to less pollution, healthier communities and the creation of well-paying middle-class jobs.
Today, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced an investment of $4.4 million to clean up industrial waste water. Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston–Richmond East, joined Minister Sajjan for the announcement.
This investment in Saltworks Technologies Inc. supports the AirBreather, an innovation that addresses a critical problem in the oil and gas industry: how to dispose of wastewater in a cost-effective and environmentally safe way. The AirBreather removes the need for chemical pre-treatment and reduces wastewater volumes safely through evaporation. This clean innovation is expected to reduce costs in the shale gas industry as well as reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with wastewater disposal. It will also help to maintain 65 jobs at Saltworks and create 20 additional jobs.
This project received investment and support from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), which helps Canadian entrepreneurs accelerate the development and deployment of globally competitive clean technology solutions. The AirBreather builds on another Saltworks clean innovation, the SaltMaker, which was also developed through an investment from SDTC and is now a commercial success.
Investments in clean technology are part of the Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to position Canada as a global leader in innovation and create good middle-class jobs right across the country.
Quotes
“Our government’s investment in this revolutionary clean innovation, developed right here in Canada, builds on our plan to strengthen Canada’s economy though innovation. This investment will not only help the oil and gas industry reduce wastewater and greenhouse gas emissions; it also will reduce costs for the industry, helping to maintain jobs and create new ones. Innovative companies like Saltworks demonstrate how a strong economy and a clean environment go hand in hand.”
– The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South
“The future of innovation is clean technology. There are opportunities to make money and create jobs in industries all across Canada. That’s why the government is making clean tech a priority. We are securing Canada’s international leadership position today so all Canadians can reap the benefits of this fast-growing market now and into the future.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“Investing in the development and demonstration of new clean technologies such as the AirBreather accelerates the innovation required to bring these technologies to market. The funding announced today supports high-quality, well-paying jobs for middle-class families.”
– Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston–Richmond East
“Saltworks is cleaning the dirtiest water. By making water reusable, Saltworks is protecting our natural resources while finding environmentally and economically viable solutions for the shale industry.”
– Zoë Kolbuc, Vice President, Partnerships, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
“Saltworks is proud to be the recipient of SDTC funding in support of our AirBreather demonstration project. We look forward to establishing this developed-in-Canada technology as the leading solution for economic and sustainable treatment of produced water in Canada’s shale gas industry.”
– Joshua Zoshi, Chief Operating Officer, Saltworks Technologies
Quick facts
The world is taking notice of Canada’s clean technology leadership: 12 Canadian companies were recently recognized on the 2019 Global Cleantech 100 list. Of those, 10 have received support from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). That’s 10% of the world’s leading clean tech companies.
Saltworks Technologies was included on the 2018 Global Cleantech 100 list. This is the third time in the company’s history that it has been featured on this list of global influencers in clean tech.
SDTC has invested over $1 billion in more than 300 companies, creating 12,000 well-paying jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 13.8 megatonnes annually.
Budget 2017 set aside more than $2.3 billion to boost growth in Canada’s clean tech space. That’s the largest public investment ever committed to this area in Canada.
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.
