Diverse array of BC firms awarded $27.3 million from SDTC Tech Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has awarded $27.3 million for 10 clean technology projects in British Columbia. The funding is provided through its popular SD Tech Fund and follows related announcements in Quebec and Ontario (R$, February 26/15).

West Fraser Mills Ltd, Vancouver, ($6.1 million) — Canada's first LignoForce commercial demonstration recovery plant, to recover and reuse pulp mill waste;

BCCP Conductor Inc, Richmond, ($3.7 million) — Combine carbon nano-tubes with aluminum wires, to increase strength and reduce electricity consumption;

David Bromley Engineering, Burnaby, ($3.2 million) — Develop a new system for filtering wastewater, lowering energy use by 65% and chemical use by 86%;

Carbon Engineering Ltd, Calgary, ($3.0 million) — Build a demonstration project in Squamish to test new technology for extracting carbon dioxide from the air, producing ultra-low carbon fuels and enhancing oil recovery;

ZincNyx Energy Solutions, Vancouver ($.9 million) — Develop a battery that runs on zinc and air that could augment or even displace diesel generation in the power grid;

Saltworks Technologies Inc, Vancouver, ($2.5 million) — Develop water treatment processes to cut electricity consumption in half and reduce chemicals used in the oil sands;

SWITCH Materials Inc, Burnaby, ($2.5 million) — Create new glazing for car windows that reduces the need for air-conditioning, reducing emissions and extending the distance electric cars can travel;

Terramera Inc, Vancouver, ($2.0 million) — Develop a Neem-oil based pesticide with extended shelf life that works better against target pests, assisting in the phase-out of synthetic pesticides;

Polymer Research Technologies, Vancouver, ($1.1 million) — Demonstrate technology for converting waste polyurethane foam into a petroleum-based product called polyol for re-use in other products; and,

Unit Electrical Engineering Ltd, Okanagan Falls, ($0.3 million) — Build lighter, more efficient drivetrains for mass transit systems.

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