THIS WEEK
The good news/bad news of cleantech in Canada, electric semi-trucks, and an ocean of Eiffel Towers.
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BUSINESS
Cleantech's big opportunity
Carbon pricing is a $120-billion opportunity for clean technology companies. That was the conclusion of a new report from Boston-based Lux Research, which says the dollar figure represents the amount of money carbon pricing will raise between now and 2030. That money "can be funnelled toward domestic technology innovators," says the report, which was released last week.
“While it remains to be seen how Canada’s provinces will spend the billions in tax revenues, proper allocation of funding can eventually position Canada as a global hotspot for innovations,” Lux Research senior analyst Yuan-Sheng Yu said in a release.
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Cleantech's potentially missed opportunity
And speaking of money for cleantech, it's much-needed, says another report from Analytica Advisors. While the federal government has pledged $1.8 billion in financing, the report says it won't come soon enough for companies that are competing abroad.
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Take that, Eiffel Tower
Soon, offshore wind turbines will be taller than Paris's most iconic structure, representing a tidal wave of change in just three years, back when the technology was considered too costly. No more. Developers expect turbines "three to four times bigger than those today."
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If there was any question...
How serious is China about clean growth? Very serious, says Eamon McKinney of CBN Global. It's an opportunity for Canada. Last week, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang asked Prime Minister Trudeau to relax restrictions on tech exports and to work together on clean energy.
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Behold, the electric semi-truck
Perhaps not surprisingly, Elon Musk will unveil plans for an electric semi-truck this fall. Is such a thing feasible? Actually yes, and it could save drivers gas money. This analyst is already downgrading traditional truck stocks.
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A daming report for Site C
A controversial $8.5-billion dam project in northern B.C. is uneconomical, according to a new UBC report. BC Hydro's electricity-demand forecasts for Site C were too high, the report states, while wind energy has become increasingly cost-competitive.
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The sun also rises
A coal mining company in Kentucky is planning to build the state's biggest solar farm on a reclaimed mountain strip mine. The Berkeley Energy Group says Appalachia's first large-scale solar project would create jobs for out-of-work coal miners.
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Here's how carbon pricing creates jobs
Carbon pricing isn't just something paid; the money it collects can be (and in some cases must be) used toward clean initiatives. Those investment dollars help local cleantech companies compete abroad, meaning a healthier sector at home—and more jobs. Read our op-ed.
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Battery-powered buses in Vancouver?
You heard it here first (unless you've already read this story). Metro Vancouver's transit authority began testing electric buses last week, after buying four of them and two charging stations. TransLink already has electric buses, but these babies don't require overhead wires.
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Volkswagen takes aim at affordable EVs
Tesla had a strong start to 2017, but it won't be without competition. Volkswagen has plans to release four affordable electric cars in the next few years, and its 2017 eGolf is a strong start, according to this review.
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Clean Energy Review is sponsored in part by Genus Capital Management, a leading provider of fossil-fuel-free investments.
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FRONT BURNER
Global Learning Forum 2017
May 17-19 | Vancouver
SPECIAL OFFER: Use code "renewablecities-partner-2017" for 15% off.
At last, an event for urban nerds and climate geeks alike. In May, join Renewable Cities for Global Learning Forum 2017, a three-day dialogue on the transition to 100 per cent renewable energy in cities. More than 400 leaders from the private sector, NGOs, academia, government and utilities will engage on topics such as policy development, building political goodwill, financing and all things green and urban. Learn more.
April 27 | Burnaby, B.C.
SFU Climate and Energy Research Day
This one-day event, held at Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus, is a meeting ground for SFU scholars with interests in energy, water and climate change research. Learn more.
May 29-June 1 | Markham, Ontario
EV/VÉ Conference and Trade Show
The eighth annual EV/VÉ Conference and Trade Show arrives in Markham, Ontario, this year with a theme of "smart e-mobility"—think connected cars, automated driving, smart grids and more. Yes, you're still allowed to go even if you don't drive an EV. Learn more.
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IMAGE & MEDIA CREDITS
Featured photo: alfabravoalfaromeo/thinkstock
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