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:
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].
Additional Resources
- Learn more about the Clean Growth Innovation Fund
- Testing innovative technologies at FortisBC