THE CHALLENGE:
Low-carbon initiatives, hydrogen-related technologies, GHG emission reductions, energy efficiency

FortisBC is thinking differently about how we deliver energy today and tomorrow. Our 30BY30 Target is our goal to reduce our customers’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 percent overall by the year 2030. In support of this goal, we have implemented a Clean Growth Innovation Fund to help accelerate work to reduce GHGs as part of our strategy to support the transformation to a lower carbon economy.

Challenge Areas and Solutions of Interest

The Clean Growth Innovation Fund will support initiatives and the development of technologies to help reduce emissions in British Columbia. FortisBC is interested in helping to support low-carbon initiatives and advance commercial and pre-commercial technologies related to:

1. Production of low-carbon gases, including:
  • Renewable Natural Gas
  • Hydrogen
  • Syngas
  • Lignin
2. Hydrogen-related technologies, including:
  • Sensing technologies.
  • Hydrogen separation technologies (e.g. removing hydrogen from natural gas/hydrogen blend).
  • Customer end-use systems and appliances capable of operating on hydrogen (both hydrogen-enriched natural gas and 100 percent hydrogen).
3. CO2 and methane emission mitigation, including:
  • CO2 capture and utilization.
  • Bioenergy with CO2 capture and storage.
  • Fugitive methane emission detection.
  • Technologies to reduce FortisBC operational emissions (Scope 1).
4. Innovative technologies, systems of technologies, building design or an industrial facility design that could directly or indirectly result in significant reductions of energy use or significantly more efficient use of energy, such as:
  • Whole building deep energy retrofits that incorporate scalable, cost-effective upgrades to improve both the envelope and mechanical system that can reduce overall building emissions by 50 percent or greater.
  • Mechanical system energy efficiency upgrades to improve either the equipment or system efficiency of the existing unit or replacement to exceed efficiencies greater than 100 percent for both space and water heating applications. These can include, and are not limited to, enhanced controls, gas heat pump technologies or dual fuel solutions.

Desired Outcome

FortisBC is committed to working towards a lower carbon energy future and identifying solutions that help reduce GHGs while improving the long-term reliability, resiliency, and affordability of British Columbia’s gas and electric systems.

A successful proposal will result in the advancement or deployment of technology that measurably result in GHG emission reductions and other reduced environmental impacts. Where relevant, solutions will also demonstrably improve reliability and affordability for customers.

Opportunity

Engaging FortisBC could lead to one of the following outcomes:

  • A proponent conducting a pilot of their solution with FortisBC.
  • FortisBC providing funding under its Clean Growth Innovation Fund to support the advancement of technologies and solutions with a potential emissions reduction benefit in BC.
  • FortisBC not pursuing the proposal.
  • Another pathway as mutually agreed.

In some cases, FortisBC may be interested in pursuing co-development opportunities to advance research and development of technologies of particular interest. This would most likely occur under a pilot testing framework, but early-stage R&D partnerships may also be available.

Note: all inquiries and proposals must be submitted through the Project Greenlight website. If you have a question, check the FAQ for commonly asked questions; alternatively, you can submit your query using the Contact Us form. Please do not contact members directly.

Evaluation Criteria

Proponents will be evaluated on the GHG emissions reduction potential of the proposed solution/technology; the associated economics of the solution/technology at commercial scale in terms of capital cost, operating cost, and return on investment; and the viability of the pathway for commercial deployment of the technology in BC.

All Project Greenlight applicants must:

Show all criteria

  • Demonstrate financial stability and ongoing operational readiness.
  • Explain their intellectual property strategy, including appropriate protections secured or in process.
  • Identify their technology’s associated risks, including those that may emerge during deployment and operation, and outline a corresponding plan to mitigate them.
  • Explain a strong business case potential for any submissions, with a return on investment that can be subjected to a sensitivity analysis based on performance metrics.
  • Explain their desired outcomes with respect to promotion of the results of any engagement.


 

Review Process

The Project Greenlight team (Vancouver Economic Commission and Foresight sector leads) undertakes a standardized review process across all challenges. Proponents should review the eligibility criteria for their specific challenges, as each has its own requirements. Proponents should also closely review the Application Handbook [PDF].

Read more about the review process

The process begins with an initial review of submissions, checking for completeness and ensuring compliance with minimum criteria. The Project Greenlight team will advise proponents of their eligibility for further consideration.

The Project Greenlight team will then pass on eligible submissions to the member, which will review them for relevance and quality. The Project Greenlight team will support this process and act as an intermediary between the member and proponent if any further clarification is required.

The Project Greenlight team will review submissions quarterly. The first deadline is August 31, 2022. Project Greenlight will endeavour to respond to proponents with initial feedback within 30 days of the deadline.

The team may invite a shortlist of proponents to directly pitch a member’s team. It will provide proponents with templates and a format in advance with at least 14 days of lead time to develop a presentation. Pitches will be followed by a Q&A.

Proponents should not be discouraged if they are not selected for a particular challenge. We encourage multiple applications and re-applications as they address deficiencies and shortcomings.


 

Additional Resources