CleanBC Roadmap to 2030
In October 2021 the Government of British Columbia announced a CleanBC Roadmap to 2030. It builds on the progress the province has made since 2018 in its CleanBC plan to encourage more businesses to use clean, renewable hydro power and clean energy. The Roadmap is B.C.’s plan to scale up climate actions to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target while supporting people and business along the way. Key measures in the Roadmap include:
- Increase carbon tax to meet or exceed the federal benchmark
- Require new industry projects to demonstrate how they align with B.C.’s legislated targets and submit plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
- Eliminate almost all industrial methane emissions by 2035
- Review the oil and gas royalty system to align with B.C.’s climate goals
- Require all new buildings to be zero-carbon by 2030
- Accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, with 100% ZEVs by 2035
- Accelerate move towards active transportation and public transit
- Support clean hydrogen, forest-based bioeconomy, and negative emissions technology
The Province will be working with large industry partners to ensure sector-specific goals are met to reduce pollution. In addition, the Roadmap encourages innovation for clean alternatives, which will become more affordable to British Columbians.
CleanBC Program for Industry
British Columbia has long been a leader in the clean technology sector and was recognized globally at the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The innovative CleanBC Program for Industry was awarded as the most creative climate solution.
“It’s an honour to have received this award because the success of this program is about strong collaboration supporting innovation,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “The award is another indication that we are on the right path for positive climate action through the new CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.”
The award-winning program is comprised of two different pathways that complement each other. The CleanBC Industry Fund uses part of the carbon tax revenue to invest in programs that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in mining, pulp and paper, cement, agriculture, and oil and gas sectors. The other initiative is called the CleanBC Industrial Incentive Program, which encourages companies to show they are among the lowest emitters for their sectors, which may result in an incentive payment based on their emission intensity.
Promoting B.C. Globally
Our Trade and Invest BC teams in several global markets play a vital role in connecting British Columbia companies with local firms in the clean tech sector. The 2021 United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Hydrogen Industry Conference and Fuel Cell Technology Exhibition is a leading industry event that took place in early November in Foshan, China. Trade and Invest BC led a team of 6 B.C. companies to attend as part of the Canadian Pavilion in partnership with the Canadian Consulate in Guangzhou. This provided an opportunity for British Columbia’s clean tech businesses to diversify their export market, increase trade, and highlight our province as a supplier of low-carbon goods and an ideal investment destination in the global market.
Similarly, in South Korea, the H2 World International Hydrogen Energy Exhibition and Forum 2021 took place in this month. The Korean Trade and Invest BC team assisted with three B.C. companies that showcased their work at the Canadian Pavilion. Furthermore, the team facilitated virtual B2B matchmaking for British Columbia’s hydrogen companies to meet with potential partners and investors.
B.C. is at the forefront of clean tech innovation in Canada with leading capabilities supported by a strong foundation of world-class companies. Through the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, B.C. is supporting the innovation and technological change needed to meet global demand and establish B.C. as a leading exporter of low carbon products and solutions. Stay updated with the latest news in the clean technology sector by following us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
