HALIFAX,
NS, July 31, 2024 /CNW/ - All along the
electric vehicle (EV) supply chain — from mining to manufacturing
to batteries and charging stations — Canada is seizing the opportunity to create
jobs and drive economic growth. With demand for batteries expected
to grow dramatically in the coming years, investing in the next
generation of battery technologies will be a key area of
opportunity. That is why we are investing in the Atlantic region to
help accelerate battery innovation and production capacity across
Canada.
Today, while visiting the Metzger, Yang, Dahn Research
Group's world-class battery laboratory at Dalhousie University, the Honourable Jonathan
Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced
$10.15 million in funding to
establish Dalhousie University's
Canadian Battery Innovation Centre (CBIC). Minister Wilkinson was
joined by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament
for Halifax West and Andy Fillmore,
Member of Parliament for Halifax.
Under the leadership of Dalhousie battery scientists Drs. Michael Metzger and Chongyin Yang, the CBIC will
facilitate the development of innovations from Canada's top battery research laboratories by
creating next-generation battery cells. The Centre will be a shared
space for researchers across Canada, working on high-end battery
prototyping, and will provide critical industry-oriented training
in battery cell manufacturing to support the specialized workforce
needed in Canada's growing battery
sector.
By investing in battery innovation, the Government of
Canada is ensuring we capitalize
on the country's competitive advantages for the benefit of all
Canadians.
Quotes
"When it comes to the clean economy, Canada's competitors are increasingly making
strategic investments to get ahead. Investing in domestic battery
production is one of many ways Canada is supporting innovation-led commercial
growth to create long-term economic benefits for Canada while cementing its place in the global
battery and minerals sectors. I am pleased to support initiatives
that help advance Canadian energy innovation as we deliver on our
vision of a net-zero economy."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"As the world shifts to more electric vehicles, companies are
choosing to invest in Canada
because we have the resources, the people and the know-how. Through
projects like this, we are strengthening Atlantic Canada's position as a global leader
in cutting-edge research and helping secure the jobs of
tomorrow."
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and
Minister responsible for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
"The Canadian Battery Innovation Centre will provide our
world-renowned battery scientists with a powerful tool, enabling
them to rapidly envision, produce and test new batteries while
collaborating with industry. This state-of-the-art facility will be
a magnet for industry, fostering a research and development hub in
Nova Scotia that promises to
transform the science, the sector and the greening of our
economy."
Dr. Alice Aiken, Vice-President, Research and
Innovation
Dalhousie University
Quick facts
- Of the funding announced today, $8.15
million is being invested through Natural Resources Canada's
(NRCan) Energy Innovation Program, with an additional $2 million contribution from Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through
Innovation program. This investment builds on the $4.98 million in federal funding that was
committed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation to deliver on this
$20-million project.
- Through industry-oriented training, the CBIC is expected to
produce approximately 25 to 50 highly qualified personnel in
battery cell manufacturing every year.
- The global cumulative battery demand from 2022 to 2050 is set
to increase nearly 150-fold to stay on track to meet the 2050
net-zero goal.
- According to an independent ranking from BloombergNEF,
Canada has surpassed China as the world's most promising
jurisdiction for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries such as those
used in EVs.
- Since 2020, automotive and battery manufacturers have announced
investments in Canada of more than
$34 billion to transition to EV
production and to establish a battery supply chain.
- The government has also worked to secure critical battery
manufacturing investments through contribution agreements and the
Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit.
- NRCan's Energy Innovation Program advances clean energy
technologies that will help Canada
meet its climate change targets while supporting the transition to
a low-carbon economy. It funds research, development and
demonstration projects, and other related scientific
activities.
- ACOA's Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation (REGI)
program creates the right conditions to start and grow businesses
in Atlantic Canada. Through REGI,
ACOA helps businesses and non-profit organizations develop a
strong, dynamic and inclusive economy.
Related Information
- Energy Innovation Program
- Canadian Foundation for Innovation
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
- Net-zero emissions by 2050
- Budget 2024 – Attracting Investment for a Net-Zero Economy
- Backgrounder: Economic Growth and Productivity
- Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada