August 30, 2023
NEWS RELEASE
New funding supports early cleantech research in Nova Scotia
Second call opening date to be announced in September
Halifax, NS – Nova Scotia-based research into new ways of reducing and capturing emissions to help get to net-zero by 2050 is receiving a boost thanks to funding from the Net Zero Emerging Concepts and Technologies (ECT) Research Program.
“Many of the renewable energy, energy efficiency and emissions capture and storage technologies we’ll need to get to net-zero by 2050 still need to be invented, proven and scaled up to commercial availability,” said Net Zero Atlantic Executive Director Alisdair McLean. “The Net Zero Emerging Concepts and Technologies Research Program will help to expedite this process by supporting made-in-Nova Scotia solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In its first round of funding, the Net Zero ECT Research Program is providing over $750,000 to support 11 academic and industry-led research projects focusing on areas including long-term energy storage, nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration, agricultural emissions, fishing and ferry fleets, direct air capture and electricity system challenges post-2030. Project details are available below.
"These innovators are leading the charge towards a sustainable future and are showcasing the potential of cutting edge, made-in-Atlantic Canada solutions. Their commitment to combating climate change and embracing a net-zero carbon future is one we share at the Province of Nova Scotia,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for Nova Scotia. “Congratulations to the winners for their visionary contributions to a greener, more resilient Atlantic region and beyond."
The goal of the program is to identify and develop emerging clean technologies, approaches and practices that warrant continuing support from Nova Scotia’s technology incubation ecosystem. The schedule for the second call for proposals for the Net Zero ECT Research Program will be announced on Thursday, September 21. More information about the program is available here.
The Net Zero ECT Research Program is coordinated by Net Zero Atlantic and supported by $3 million in funding provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change. The provincial government funding being provided for this program advances actions 13 and 63 of Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth, specifically research on natural carbon sinks – such as soil and forests, which absorb carbon dioxide – and research on new clean technologies and practices to help meet the province’s net zero by 2050 target.
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Contact:
Nalani Perry
About Net Zero Atlantic
Net Zero Atlantic seeks to advance the goal of a sustainable and inclusive transition to a carbon-neutral future in Atlantic Canada. We produce credible and objective data to inform sound policies and decisions related to critical topics currently including, but not limited to, hydrogen, offshore wind, geothermal energy, and energy system modeling. We carry out our work in collaboration with academia, governments, private sector, Indigenous Peoples and other non-government organizations. Learn more about Net Zero Atlantic at www.netzeroatlantic.ca.
Net Zero ECT Research Program
Projects funded through the June 2023 call for proposals
Green ammonia derived membranes & sorbents for direct air capture of carbon dioxide
Priority Research Theme: Direct Air Capture
Lead researcher and organization: Saurabh, S. Chitnis, Dalhousie University
High-performance hydrogen sensors for leak detection in transportation and industrial applications
Priority Research Theme: Fishing and Ferry Fleets
Lead researcher and organization: Hunter King, Integrative Nanotech Ltd.
A Feasibility Study for Nature-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal Solutions at Nova Scotia Power’s Hydroelectric Facilities
Priority Research Theme: Nature-Based Solutions
Lead researcher and organization: Edmund Halfyard, CarbonRun Carbon Dioxide Removal Ltd.\
Eco-Friendly Fisheries
Priority Research Theme: Fishing and Ferry Fleets
Lead researcher and organization: Ulaş Güntürkün, Marecomms Inc.
Empowering Sustainable Livestock Practices: Advanced Sensors for GHG Monitoring
Priority Research Theme: Agricultural Emissions
Lead researcher and organization: Ghader Manafiazar, Dalhousie University
Heat Pump and Phase Change Thermal Energy Storage Feasibility Study
Priority Research Theme: Long-Term Energy Storage, Electricity System Challenges Post 2030
Lead researcher and organization: Wayne Groszko, Nova Scotia Community College
Design and Construction of an On-Demand, Submerged Combustion, Direct-Contact Water Heater operating on Hydrogen for use in the Agricultural Sector
Priority Research Theme: Electricity System Challenges Post 2030
Lead researcher and organization: Michael Pegg, Dalhousie University
Two-step CO2 Capture and Storage Technology using Seawater and Mineral Carbonation of Mine Water Pool of Sydney Coalfields
Priority Research Theme: Direct Air Capture
Lead researcher and organization: Martin Mkandawire, Cape Breton University
Exploring pathways to net-zero: utilizing advanced energy system modelling to investigate the impact of long-duration energy storage on Nova Scotia's energy transition
Priority Research Theme: Long-Term Energy Storage, Electricity System Challenges Post 2030
Lead researcher and organization: Cameron Wade, Sutubra Research Inc.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases and Improving the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Nova Scotia’s Wild Blueberry Industry
Priority Research Themes: Nature-Based Solutions, Agricultural Emissions
Lead researcher and organization: David Percival, Bragg Lumber Company
Development of a regionally validated mid-infrared soil spectral library and predictive models to enable efficient, accurate and low-cost characterization of soil carbon content and sequestration potential in Nova Scotia agricultural and forest soils as influenced by management
Priority Research Theme: Agricultural Emissions, Nature-Based Solutions for Carbon Capture
Lead researcher and organization: Derek Lynch, Dalhousie University