The Province is investing $500,000 to launch three clean-technology pilot projects along the transportation corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George. The work aims to help northern communities and industry test zero- and low-emission options for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles—key to supporting import and export activity throughout the region.
The funding comes through Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace platform, which will work with Prince Rupert, Prince George, Kitimat and Smithers. Each community will explore how renewable diesel, hydrogen fuel-enhancement systems and low-emission vehicle technology can be incorporated into real-world operations.
Pilot activities will vary across the corridor. Prince Rupert’s operations division will test zero- and low-emission vehicle technology and supporting infrastructure. Prince George will run Tidewater Renewables’ locally produced renewable diesel in a municipal fleet vehicle. In Prince Rupert, Smithers and Kitimat, Empire Hydrogen will install fuel-enhancement modules on heavy-duty equipment to evaluate performance, emissions reductions and fuel savings.
The initiative is part of B.C.’s Look West plan, which focuses on building a resilient, independent economy by accelerating major projects, supporting clean energy, and opening new opportunities for communities in the North. The Province says data gathered from these pilots will help fleet operators understand the technical and economic benefits of adopting cleaner transportation technologies.
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