Technology and Innovation Initiative

Country	Canada
Year Implemented	2003
Policy Status	Superseded
Date Promulgated	August 2003
Date Ended	March 2008
Agency	•Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) •Sustainable Development Technology Canada
Funding	CAD 115 million over 5 years
Related Policies	Climate Change Plan for Canada Sustainable Technology Development Canada
Policy Superseded by	ecoENERGY Technology Initiative
Policy Type	•Education and Outreach •RD & D
Policy Target	•Multiple Renewable Energy Sources   •All
Policy Sector	•Multi-sectoral Policy
Description	On 12 August, 2003, the Government of Canada announced the investment of $250 million from Budget 2003 to support the Technology and Innovation Initiative, which will contribute to the development, demonstration and early adoption of new, cleaner technologies and economic opportunities. This investment is in addition to the $250 million to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), also announced in Budget 2003. The Technology and Innovation Initiative will focus on five areas critical to achieving our climate change goals: Cleaner Fossil Fuels: $65 million (plus $50 million in funding from SDTC) will be invested in the development and demonstration of cleaner fossil fuel technologies. These technologies allow for greater energy efficiency and environmentally benign production, conversion and combustion. This will result in lower GHG emissions, a greater emphasis on unconventional resources, with a focus on providing a clean, emissions-free development of Canada's fossil fuels. Hydrogen Economy: $80 million (plus $50 million through SDTC) will be invested in building knowledge and accelerating the development and commercialisation of fuel cells and other technologies in Canada that will form the basis of the emerging hydrogen economy, including technologies to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources. In addition to promising long-term, sustainable solutions to climate change, the hydrogen economy offers significant opportunity for businesses and communities across Canada. Investments will be available to support public and private sector partnerships to develop and demonstrate hydrogen technologies and infrastructure in integrated, real-world settings. Taken together, these investments will build on Canada's first-mover advantage internationally and ensure it remains at the forefront of the transition to the hydrogen economy. Further details on federal investments related to the hydrogen economy were provided on 9 October, 2003. Advanced End-Use Efficiency Technology: $40 million will be invested in the development and demonstration of energy-efficient technology that can be used in the industrial, commercial, community and transportation sectors. Examples include advanced industrial process technology, intelligent buildings and community systems management, low-energy lighting systems, low-emissions vehicles and more efficient transportation systems. Decentralised Energy: $30 million will be invested in the development and demonstration of decentralised energy production systems. These systems make more efficient use of locally available energy resources and renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar and landfill gas. They can be used in residential, commercial and industrial applications and in combined heat and power applications. Biofuels: $30 million will go to support the development and demonstration of bio-based energy systems and technologies. This covers a broad range of technologies, including biomass and waste conversions; cellulosic ethanol from biomass and other biofuels; bio-processes; biomass production, harvesting and transportation; and energy from biomass. These technologies have great potential to reduce the use of fossil fuels. This investment is complemented by our investment in biodiesel technologies.
URL	innovation.gc.ca/gol/innovation/site.nsf/en/in05243.html
Legal References	2003 Federal Budget