Cash boost for Canadian clean tech
July 12, 2007
Canada's clean technology economy has taken another step forward with the go-ahead from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for projects totalling £48 million in the latest funding round.
The SDTC has commissioned the development of 19 clean technology projects that will target energy exploration and production, power generation, energy utilization, transportation; agriculture, forestry, wood products and pulp and paper products, along with waste management.
These include funding for a project to develop advanced battery technology for hybrid vehicles, and an initiative to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of mid to large-scale wind turbines by developing a permanent magnet wheel motor.
This technology looks to reduce mechanical gearbox failure in existing turbines while increasing the power-to-weight ratio.
The SDTC reports an increasing focus on projects designed to address issues around clean water and clean land. One project being funded in this round is focusing on the development of a microbial culture technology that can help clean up chlorinated solvents and at the same time be efficient and cost effective.
Another project being funded has the potential to reclaim contaminated land by cleaning up PCBs. This novel technology could, the SDTC believes, contribute to developing cities in a more sustainable fashion, freeing up unusable land for new development. This would increase the economic viability of the urban site and decrease urban sprawl.
On top of the $48 million from SDTC, the private and public sector partnerships behind the projects are investing an additional $101 million.
The next bidding round for funding will be in September. The SDTC will launch its next call for Statements of Interest on September 5 and it is believed it will be especially interested in projects that address climate change, clean air and clean water and clean soil issues.
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