WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Oct. 26, 2012) - Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood-Transcona, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the Harper Government's support for jobs and development of innovative clean energy technology in Winnipeg. Our government is contributing $3.4 million through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to help New Flyer Industries develop and implement its rapid-charge battery-electric bus propulsion technology. Mr. Toet was joined by Sailesh Thaker, Vice-President of SDTC.
"Today's announcement is welcome news for our community. Our government is helping Canadian business develop innovative new energy technologies and create Canadian jobs - including right here in Winnipeg," said Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood - Transcona. "This electric bus technology developed by New Flyer Industries is an example of clean energy innovation that provides Canadians with high-quality jobs and contributes to our long term prosperity."
"This is a clear example of what cleantech can do: we have here a technology that will bring down operational costs while reducing emissions," said Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. "Together with its partners, New Flyer will put this technology to the test - a move that could revolutionize Canada's transportation industry."
"We're really 'charged up' by the interest in our battery-electric bus," said Paul Soubry, New Flyer's President and Chief Executive Officer. "This important project further allows us to execute on our electrification project development. It pushes closer to the critical point of cost-effective commercialization of this propulsion technology in bus applications. We acknowledge the Canadian Government's recognition of the need to push the electrification agenda and appreciate their substantial support in developing a sustainable future in battery-electric bus technology. This project will provide invaluable insight into day-to-day real-world battery-electric operational issues."
New Flyer Industries will develop and build four electric buses and a high-capacity charging station. The company will then carry out a four-year in-service evaluation of a small fleet of buses with Winnipeg Transit to examine the charging system, battery capacity and component life and reliability. In addition to having a number of positive benefits for the environment, the use of electric buses could also significantly reduce operating costs and total life cycle costs when compared with diesel and hybrid buses.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, SDTC supports the development of Canadian clean technologies, readying them for growth and export markets. With a portfolio of companies under management valued at more than $2 billion, SDTC supports the cleantech industry which is a key driver of jobs, productivity and economic prosperity.
SDTC operates two funds aimed at the development and demonstration of innovative technological solutions. The $590 million SD Tech Fund™ supports projects that address climate change, air quality, clean water, and clean soil. The $500 million NextGen Biofuels Fund™ supports the establishment of first-of-kind large demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels.
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) Funding for New Flyer Industries
With support from the Government of Canada, through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), New Flyer Industries will develop and build four electric buses and a high-capacity charging station. The project will then carry out a four-year in-service evaluation of a small fleet of buses with Winnipeg Transit to examine the high-capacity charging system, battery capacity and component life and reliability. The four electric buses will contribute to reducing Winnipeg Transit fleet's greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air contaminants (CAC) emissions.
Through on-going technology improvements, such as the introduction of hybrid power, bus manufacturers have reduced their fleets' GHG emissions and production of criteria air contaminants – chemicals and airborne particulate that contribute to smog, poor air quality and acid rain. Since the primary fuel source for transit buses remains conventional diesel fuel, GHG emissions remain high in the public transportation sector. New Flyer electric buses provide a solution, and Manitoba's power generation provides an opportunity to further the environmental benefits of this demonstration project.
Manitoba generates close to 98% of its electricity through renewable hydro-power. Using electricity generated from Manitoba's electricity grid, this demonstration project will result in higher than average GHG reductions for a similar project where electricity is generated using a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. During the four-year in-service evaluation the electric buses will produce no tail pipe emissions. That is the equivalent of reducing annual CO2 equivalent emissions by 160 tonnes when compared to a diesel bus, or reducing annual CO2 equivalent emissions by 112 tonnes compared to a hybrid bus.
Most North American electrical grids receive power from a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Significant reductions are still expected when charging electric buses using a typical electricity grid. For example, when compared with a hybrid bus, it is estimated that using an electric bus will reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 90 tonnes. Electric buses may also significantly reduce operating costs and total life cycle costs when compared with diesel and hybrid buses.
Other Contributing Partners (Consortium Members):
New Flyer Industries Canada ULC
The Board of Governors of Red River College
Government of Manitoba
The City of Winnipeg Transit