Federal grant supports new clean energy facility in Calgary
The federal government is doing more to support opportunities in the sustainable energy industry through a large grant aimed at building a specialized office in downtown Calgary.
The Energy Transition Centre will be a space that offers a meeting area between the country's largest energy companies and businesses that are working to develop green energy initiatives.
The facility, which will be built in vacant space in the downtown core, will provide companies access to specialized equipment, energy transition subject matter experts and entrepreneurship programming.
Officials say investment such as this will help economic growth in Calgary.
"The City of Calgary is pleased to see federal dollars directed towards innovative players such as Avatar Innovations, University of Calgary and Foresight. We are proud to be working alongside key partners to establish Calgary as a centre for excellence in the energy transition economy which in turn will act as a major catalyst for downtown revitalization," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek in a release.
The initiative is expected to create at least 25 new businesses in the clean energy sector over the next three years and will foster the growth of many more.
"The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to build on Alberta's strengths in clean technology, including its talent, energy expertise, and emerging capabilities in energy transition. Our support for an Energy Transition Centre in the heart of downtown Calgary and a proven accelerator for clean technology companies will help ensure that Alberta businesses can capitalize on these advantages and capture significant global market share in the clean technology sector," said Daniel Vandal, the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, the agency providing funding for the centre.
The developments at the Energy Transition Centre will cost approximately $2.1 million while an additional $900,000 will go toward the existing Foresight Clean Technology Accelerator Centre.
According to a recent study on energy transition, the clean technology sector could create 170,000 jobs in Alberta and contribute $61 billion to the province's GDP by 2050.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Snow-covered bodies of 2 men from Senegal found in New York woods near Canadian border
Two men from Senegal froze to death were found in the snow of a wooded area close to the Canadian border, New York state police said.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
This historical tavern in Toronto is closing after nearly 200 years
An historic downtown Toronto bar is closing its doors next week after nearly 200 years in business.
Niagara Region 'proactively' declares state of emergency ahead of total solar eclipse
Niagara Region says it has declared a state of emergency 'out of an abundance of caution' as it prepares for an influx of visitors for next month’s total solar eclipse.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
Social media can alter children's brains and impact mental health: neuroscientist
Neuroscientist Emma Duerden says social media can alter children's brains and have negative impacts on their mental health.
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
Edmonton broadcasting giant Bruce Hogle dead at 95
An Edmonton broadcasting pioneer has passed away.