15 PROJECTS HIGHLIGHT B.C.'S CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATION

VICTORIA – The Province is funding a suite of innovative clean energy projects throughout B.C., investing $25 million from the government’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund, announced Technology, Trade and Economic Development Minister Ida Chong and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld today.

“Clean energy will play a key role in building a vibrant and prosperous green economy in British Columbia,” Chong said. “These investments demonstrate our commitment to develop innovative technology that will result in new sources of abundant, clean energy serving the needs of local communities and residents across the province.”

“We’re building on B.C.’s proven track record in bringing innovation to the energy sector by funding these 15 projects,” said Neufeld. “By delivering on this BC Energy Plan commitment, we’re leading the effort to meet our ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction and clean energy targets.”

Applications to the fund came from across British Columbia, representing a broad range of technologies and sectors, including bioenergy, geothermal, solar and other alternative energy sources. Projects selected address specific B.C. energy and environmental priorities identified by the government and will accelerate the commercialization of these clean technologies.

Successful applicants, focusing on bio-energy, solar, geothermal and other alternative energy approaches include a diversity of organizations and projects from:

UNBC – Prince George
Alterna Energy – Prince George
Metro Vancouver – Lower Mainland
SunSelect Produce – Aldergrove
Lignol Innovations – Burnaby
Nexterra Energy Corp. – New Westminster
Catalyst Power – Abbotsford
SBC Firemaster – Revelstoke
UBC – Burnaby
MSR Innovations – Langley
T'Sou-Ke First Nation – Sooke
BCIT – Burnaby

Fairfield Propagators – Chilliwack
Terasen Gas – Vancouver
Halfway Ranch – Kamloops

The $25-million ICE Fund helps position British Columbia as a world leader in alternative energy and power technology by showcasing B.C. technologies to the world and fostering solutions to climate change. It is designed to accelerate the commercialization of new, clean and renewable energy technologies.

The ICE Fund supports the BC Energy Plan and government’s goal of electricity self-sufficiency by 2016 and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.

The fund will be continued, and a second call for applications with a focus on rural B.C. is expected in the fall of 2008. Applicants unsuccessful in the first round are encouraged to reapply with funding decisions expected in early 2009.

For more information on the Province’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund, please visit the website at: www.gov.bc.ca/empr/popt/innovative_clean_energy_fund.html

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2 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Alec Tully Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Technology, Trade and Economic Development 250 952-0615

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