Three projects aiming to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency at a Canadian airport recently garnered federal support.
Through Look West, the Province of British Columbia is working to invest in high-tech and emerging technologies, while growing the economic value of tech sectors and doubling employment.
Created by the Government of B.C. in partnership with PacifiCan and delivered by Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace helps B.C. companies test, deploy, and scale innovations in real-world environments.
“Supporting B.C. companies shows the world what they can do and the problems they can solve,” stated Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “We’re helping businesses win first customers and get ready to export to new markets.”
Charza is receiving $670,000 to integrate the company’s tap-and-go electric vehicle charging system in multiple sites at YVR.
The technology is expected to improve the airport’s ability to track and manage energy use thanks to real-time metrics for EV users.
Holinova, meanwhile, will utilize $200,000 to implement a grid-scale mobile battery-storage system and EV charging system at YVR with an aim to improve safety and energy efficiency throughout the airport.
“Innovate BC and the Integrated Marketplace were mission critical for us to bring new energy solutions to life,” suggests Greg Stanway, who serves as chief technology officer of Holinova, the parent company of Charza.
“Industry is always conservative and no one wants to be the first to shoulder risk,” Stanway says. “The support through the Integrated Marketplace made it possible to move from planning to reality, opening the door to the broader market at large.”
Another project, a collaboration between Island Auto and Enedym, garnered $350,000 to electrify belt loaders at YVR using an all-Canadian supply chain that will reduce airport operations emissions.
Innovators in British Columbia are “leading in clean technology,” according to Gregor Robertson, who is the federal minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
The announcement, he says, will “support clean-tech solutions at Vancouver International Airport that reduce emissions, offer more sustainable energy options, and highlight local innovation.”
Peter Cowan, the chief executive officer of Innovate BC, says the projects “advance goals around efficiency and emissions reduction.”
“By working with industry partners like YVR as technology-adoption testbeds and enabling collaboration with local companies such as Charza, Holinova, and Island Auto, we’re helping key economic drivers adopt new technologies with confidence,” stated Cowan.
Rick Glumac, BC’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, posits that “by integrating Charza’s tap-and-go EV charging, Holinova’s mobile battery storage, and Island Auto and Enedym’s electrified belt loaders, we’re proving that clean technology isn’t just the future, it’s here now.”
“These solutions will make energy use smarter, reduce emissions, and set a new standard for sustainable transportation infrastructure,” he remarked.
Vancouver International Airport is pursuing net zero emissions for its operations by 2030.