Province Partners with YVR on Pilot Project Linking Clean Energy Companies for Electrificaiton Projects

December 12, 2022

A new government initiative will create jobs and economic opportunities for British Columbians by supporting made-in-B.C. companies to develop and sell clean-tech solutions locally, so they can solve industry challenges.

As part of the StrongerBC Economic Plan, the Integrated Marketplace Initiative kicks off with a pilot project that links Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to B.C. clean-technology companies that can help electrify its operations to meet its net-zero by 2030 commitment and become the world’s greenest airport.

“With the strongest economic recovery in Canada, B.C. is leading the transition to a high-wage, low-carbon economy,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “The Integrated Marketplace Initiative is a part of a comprehensive economic plan that invests in our people, our communities and our environment for a better tomorrow.”

The Government of B.C. is investing up to $11.5 million to develop the new initiative and create a unique marketplace that matches innovators of clean, made-in-B.C. technology with industry buyers looking for clean-tech solutions.

This will provide small B.C. clean-tech companies with a platform to test their innovation on real-world challenges, while B.C. industry gets help solving challenging business problems. This will result in domestic customers for B.C. clean-tech companies and proof of concept to support scale up and export of B.C. innovation.  

The Integrated Marketplace Initiative begins with YVR as its initial testbed, to support its goal to transition airfield vehicles, primarily ground-handling equipment, such as baggage tractors, belt loaders and stair trucks, from diesel to electric power.

“We proudly signed on as the first testbed partner with the Province,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “At YVR we have a deep commitment to climate action and continuous innovation. That innovation can be seen with our digital twin and with innovations such as this to electrify our operations and reduce emissions. These activities will continue to propel us towards our goal of becoming net zero by 2030 and the greenest airport in the world.”

At YVR, an alliance of providers and buyers will work together to identify business needs and source and test made-in-B.C. clean-technology solutions that reduce greenhouses gases, increase productivity and improve safety. This will allow for more streamlined innovation for B.C. companies, while driving and exporting more sustainable solutions to benefit all British Columbians. 

The Initiative aims to:

  • increase the resilience and productivity of B.C. industries, including supply chains;
  • grow B.C.’s innovation sector by increasing jobs and global exports through scaling up new B.C. technology products and services; and
  • reduce carbon emissions through the adoption of made-in-B.C. clean tech solutions.

The creation of the Integrated Marketplace Initiative is a key action of the StrongerBC Economic Plan, which moves B.C. forward by tackling the challenges of today, while growing an economy that works for everyone.

Quick Facts:

  • YVR expects to invest $135 million over the next 10 years to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and signed the federal government’s Net Zero Challenge.
  • YVR is the first airport in Canada to achieve the highest level of Airport Carbon Accreditation (4+ Transition).
  • YVR recently signed commitments with two Cascadia Corridor airports (Seattle-Tacoma and Portland) to collaborate on decarbonize aviation, including areas of ground support equipment and the development of sustainable aviation fuel. 
  • More than 50% of licensed ground-handling vehicles at YVR are electric, and the airport has installed 94 airside charging stations for aircraft support vehicles. 

Learn More:

For more about the StrongerBC Economic Plan, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/plan/

For more about YVR’s Digital Twin project, visit: https://www.yvr.ca/en/media/news-releases/yvr-digital-twin-launch

Government of Canada’s Net Zero Challenge: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2022/08/net-zero-challenge.html

YVR Reaches Highest level of Airport Carbon Accreditation:  https://www.yvr.ca/en/media/news-releases/2022/yvr-achieves-level-4-aca

Go HERE for more information

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • PataBid Nominated for Canadian Choice Award in Software Services

    PataBid Nominated for Canadian Choice Award in Software Services

    October 11, 2024 PataBid is proud to announce its nomination for a Canadian Choice Award in the Software Services category. This recognition highlights PataBid’s commitment to supporting the electrical contracting community across Canada by providing innovative estimating software solutions that streamline estimating processes and ensure predictable and profitable projects. “As a homegrown leader in construction… Read More…

  • EHRC Awards of Excellence Nominations

    EHRC Awards of Excellence Nominations

    October 10, 2024 The Awards of Excellence recognizes and celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of employees, leaders and teams making a positive and tangible impact on their organization while contributing to the composition of a highly skilled workforce in the electricity industry. Nominations Are you an individual or organization looking to recognize an individual leader, team… Read More…

  • New Retrofit Program Set to Accelerate Sustainable Buildings in Alberta

    New Retrofit Program Set to Accelerate Sustainable Buildings in Alberta

    October 10, 2024 The Pembina Institute is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator, a new retrofit program designed to bring affordable, energy-efficient solutions to support Alberta’s building owners and managers of multi-unit residential and commercial buildings, as well as municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals. In collaboration with industry experts, practitioners,… Read More…

  • Lumen Marks Expansion of Laval Distribution Centre

    Lumen Marks Expansion of Laval Distribution Centre

    October 10, 2024 Lumen highlighted the official inauguration of their Laval Distribution Centre on LinkedIn. “On September 13th, we officially inaugurated the expansion of our Laval distribution centre! This landmark event brought together more than 3000 customers, suppliers, ministers and journalists from all over Quebec to discover our new facilities,” said the company on LinkedIn…. Read More…