Canada’s 2016 federal budget (announced March 22), looks promising for the country’s natural gas fuel sector, says Bruce Winchester, Executive Director of the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA). It outlines an ambitious agenda aimed at transforming Canada’s economy, with funding for innovation, technology implementation, and transition to cleaner natural gas powered vehicles and vessels.
Focused on delivering key commitments from the fall election, CNGVA is pleased to see there are a number of opportunities: “Canada’s medium and heavy duty vehicle sector will continue to move toward low cost transportation and emissions reductions with the government’s $62.5 million pledge to fund alternative fuel infrastructure along with various other infrastructure commitments in Budget 2016”, Winchester said.
Measures include:
- upgrade and improve public transit systems across Canada. In this envelope are opportunities for supporting the deployment of natural gas powered transit buses along with municipal natural gas fueling infrastructure.
- funds for local governments to address climate change which will support municipality-led projects to identify and implement greenhouse gas reduction opportunities.
- support ferry operations and environmental performance through fleet renewal. The budget proposes to waive the 25 per cent tariff on ferry imports after October 1, 2015.
- support clean technology, including in the forestry, fisheries, mining, energy and agriculture sectors to be delivered as part of a forthcoming innovation agenda. Additional funding will support clean technology research, development and demonstration activities via Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for the SD Tech Fund, and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to support research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies.
- support for alternative fuels and clean transportation, by allocating funds to Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada to support the transition to a cleaner transportation sector, including through the development of regulations and standards for clean transportation technology. Funding will also support Canada’s continued participation in the development of international emissions standards for emissions from the international aviation, marine and rail sectors, including through the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance advocates on behalf of Canada’s natural gas vehicle industry to promote the sustainable growth of natural gas vehicles, refueling infrastructure, and renewable gaseous fuels for the benefit of Canada’s economy and environment. Natural gas vehicle technologies provide proven, commercially available transportation solutions that reduce emissions while using lower cost fuel.
CNGVA is an affiliated association to NGV Global, providing associate membership status and benefits for its members. who are leading Canadian companies involved in research, manufacturing, fuel and infrastructure supply, vehicle conversion technology and installation, consulting, and international project management.
(Source: CNGVA)
