A recent Alberta Energy Transition Study suggests the clean technology sector could create 170,000 jobs and contribute $61 billion to gross domestic product by 2050 in Alberta alone.
Today, the Government of Canada, announced a federal investment of more than $3 million to strengthen collaboration, advance emerging leadership, and attract private sector investment that will help grow businesses operating in Alberta’s clean technology sector.
“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,” said Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
“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.”
More than $2.1 million of this federal contribution will support an Energy Transition Centre in downtown Calgary. Federal funding will enable the University of Calgary and private sector partner Avatar Innovations to transform vacant office space in central Calgary into an innovation hub that advances the development of clean energy technologies.
The Energy Transition Centre will provide a space where Canada’s largest energy companies collaborate with clean energy start-ups, innovators, and investors. The centre will facilitate access to specialized equipment, energy transition subject matter experts and entrepreneurship programming. As a central hub and world-class centre for energy transition, this initiative is expected to contribute to creating at least 25 new businesses over the next three years, and support the growth of many others operating in the clean energy sector.
An additional $900,000 investment through Prairies Economic Development Canada will enable the Foresight Clean Technology Accelerator Centre to offer its proven accelerator programs in Alberta. Foresight will use funds to provide the training and investment attraction initiatives that clean technology organizations at various stages of scaling up need to grow and capture global market share.
“Alberta has a strong track record of innovation and excellence in clean technologies. We are pleased to support the growth and impact of cleantech in Alberta in our efforts to position Canada as a world leader in cleantech by accelerating the growth of ventures with problem-driven solutions,” said Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Clean Technology Accelerator Centre. “Our acceleration and adoption programs and events provide learning, coaching, and connections that help innovators bring their solutions to market faster, creating a strong net zero economy and driving significant growth in green jobs.”
