The Province is launching three pilot projects to test cleaner fuels and vehicle technology along the transportation corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George. The work focuses on renewable diesel, hydrogen enhancement equipment and low and zero emission vehicle systems in medium and heavy duty fleets.
The projects are supported through a $500,000 provincial investment delivered by Innovate BC under the Integrated Marketplace program. Prince Rupert, Prince George, Kitimat and Smithers will each trial technology aimed at lowering emissions in municipal and industrial fleets that support northern trade.
Prince George will test Tidewater Renewables’ diesel alternative in a municipal fleet vehicle. The fuel is designed to replace conventional diesel without changing equipment. Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Smithers will have hydrogen enhancement modules installed on heavy duty trucks and machinery by Empire Hydrogen. Prince Rupert will also test low and zero emission vehicle technology within its operations division.
Data from the pilots will support the Northern B.C. Clean Energy Corridor Project, which will examine fuel savings, emissions, maintenance needs and regulatory considerations. The findings are intended to help fleet operators assess the practicality and cost of adopting cleaner systems in northern conditions.
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, said the pilots align with the Province’s Look West strategy. “These pilots leverage northern partnerships to modernize transportation, create clean energy solutions and build good jobs,” he said.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, said the trials move the freight and service sector toward lower emissions. “By supporting clean technologies and made in B.C. renewable fuels projects, we are laying the groundwork for cleaner transportation,” he said.
North Coast Haida Gwaii MLA Tamara Davidson said northern communities are well suited for this work. “As a northerner, I’m proud to see people in northern B.C. leading the way toward a cleaner, stronger future. These projects mean stronger transportation networks for all people in British Columbia and more opportunities for northern companies to grow and create good jobs in our communities,” she said.
Industry partners say the corridor is a strong testing ground. Empire Hydrogen chair Sven Tjelta said earlier installations have shown fuel savings. Tidewater Renewables CEO Jeremy Baines said the company’s renewable diesel “reduces carbon emissions in British Columbia by over 450,000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually.”
The Province has committed as much as $41.5 million to the Integrated Marketplace platform. The fund is managed by Innovate BC and supports real world testing of new technology across several sectors. The northern transportation pilots represent one draw from that pool. The platform connects B.C. companies with public sector and industry partners so new clean energy or industrial systems can be tested, measured and refined before entering wider markets.
