Canada Partners With Breakthrough Energy to Launch Game-Changing Program to Accelerate Clean Energy Innovations

EIN 23 CS Breakthrough 400

May 30, 2019

Canada is helping to build the low-carbon economy. The government is investing in the development of new and innovative technologies that will help us fight climate change, boost the economy and create good jobs for Canadians.

Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, announced an investment of up to $30 million for a new initiative called Breakthrough Energy Solutions Canada (BESC) that will foster cutting-edge companies to deliver game-changing clean energy innovations to the market.

BESC is a first-of-its-kind public–private initiative aimed at accelerating the development of clean energy technologies in the electricity, transportation, buildings and manufacturing sectors with the potential for substantial pollution reductions globally.

This funding call will harness the expertise of both Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Breakthrough Energy in clean energy technologies — with NRCan conducting and overseeing the funding call and Breakthrough Energy providing valuable insights and exposure to global investors.

Launched under a new stream of NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program, in partnership with Breakthrough Energy, BESC builds on the shared objectives of advancing a sustainable and resilient clean energy future.

Minister Sohi made this announcement during the Clean Energy and Mission Innovation Ministerial meetings in Vancouver, where ministers, high-level officials and business leaders from over 25 countries gathered to accelerate progress toward a clean energy future. Born out of Mission Innovation’s partnership with Breakthrough Energy, BESC demonstrates Canada’s commitment to accelerating clean energy innovation through model partnerships, supporting Canadian innovators and making clean energy more widely accessible and affordable.

The program’s call for proposals is now open. Learn more about BESC: www.nrcan.gc.ca/breakthrough 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    February 6, 2026 By William (Bill) Burr The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or Read More…

  • 3D Printing: Inside Lighting’s Next Revolution

    February 5, 2026 While 3D printing in mass production was once a dream, advancements in the technology have moved it more into the mainstream. The technique, which is also referred to as additive manufacturing, has rapidly evolved from a niche prototyping tool into a transformative production method for many sectors, including the lighting industry. As Read More…

  • Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    February 5, 2026 In an era of extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and ever‑rising energy demands, many facility managers are rethinking their relationship with the grid. Microgrids offer a way to take control and operate autonomously when necessary. A microgrid is more than just backup, when designed properly, it becomes a platform for resiliency, efficiency, and Read More…

  • ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    February 5, 2026 Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures NEMA Ratings are an essential classification system used across North America to define the environmental and mechanical protection provided by electrical enclosures. Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), these ratings help engineers, installers, and specifiers identify the appropriate enclosure type for industrial, commercial, and outdoor Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    February 6, 2026 “We didn’t get here by standing still. For 65 years, we’ve shaped how we think, how we design, and what responsibility means,” the company said in a LinkedIn post. “Today, that thinking takes a new form. Not to change who we are, but to express our evolution more clearly. This is Stanpro, Read More…

  • Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    February 6, 2026 Efforts to support the creation of new affordable housing and reduce chronic homelessness are on track, but there is still lots of work to do, according to David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. New data indicates progress has been made on three key government priorities related to Read More…

  • BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    February 6, 2026 BJ Electric had been teasing a major announcement on their social media recently, before finally announcing last week they have rebranded as Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd, a nod to the company’s founder and legacy. “BJ Electric Supplies is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies—in honor of our founder, Bernard Joseph Thompson, and the values Read More…

  • The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    February 6, 2026 The Government of Canada has introduced the Build Canada Homes Act, legislation that will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation whose mandate will be dedicated to building affordable housing in communities across the country. As Canada’s affordable housing builder, this legislation will equip Build Canada Homes with the necessary tools to Read More…