(Halifax, NS) Today, at the H2O conference, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) and Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, announced the CanUK Vessel-to-Grid Project, bringing together commercial scale vessel-to-grid to deployed reality in both the UK and Canada, which is essential to reducing the cost of electric-first vessels and the greening electric grid to grow together. This project brings together a leading cross-section of the ecosystem required to successfully advance and deploy vessel-to-grid. It spans both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and diverse sectors: academic, marine companies, Indigenous communities, electricity companies and innovation hubs.
BlueGrid is leading the Canadian consortium in Halifax, NS, the CanUK Vessel-to-Grid Project results in scalable commercial-grade technology and real-world deployments complemented by people and regional capacity-building. In the process it creates relationships, intellectual property, and commercial momentum to scale the emission reductions and financial benefits to scale and accelerate marine electrification in Canada and Europe.
Together with partners Lennox Island First Nation in Prince Edward Island, RS Electric Boats, Aqua SuperPower, University of Plymouth and RAD Propulsion in the UK, the project also has collaborators in Nova Scotia including Dalhousie University, the Center for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE). With a total project value of more than $2.3 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing more than $550,000 and the balance of funding is coming from Innovate UK and project partners.
Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world and one of the highest rates of vessel ownership per capital in the world. Vessel-to-grid is a vital accelerator to get millions of Canadian vessels to decarbonize by going to electric propulsion, helping the electric grid to decarbonize in the process.
Quotes:
“This strategic international partnership between Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and Innovate UK highlights how collaboration is creating real benefits for Canadians and for the ocean sector beyond our borders,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “CanUK Vessel-to-Grid, one of the four projects unveiled today, demonstrates how government support for Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is fostering transformative technologies that are critical to growth and sustainability within the blue economy.”
We know there is significant economic opportunity in delivering solutions that help contribute to our net zero ambitions. The CAN-UK Vessel-to-Grid Project comes from our first-ever international call for proposals in partnership with Innovate UK. We are proud to co-invest in this project, bringing together collaborative partners to help accelerate the transition of more vessels to electric propulsion.
-Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Implementing scalable vessel-to-grid solutions across markets requires domestic and cross-border collaboration for success. The CanUK project offers BlueGrid a valuable opportunity to advance its global leadership in data and intelligence solutions for integrating electric vessels into electricity grids. We’re excited to lead the Canadian consortium for this international project that brings financial and environmental benefits to vessel owners and utilities.”
-Trevor Hennigar, COO at BlueGrid.
“Playing a key role in the CanUK project supports Lennox Island First Nation’s vision for environmental stewardship and energy sovereignty. It represents a significant opportunity for Lennox Island First Nation to build first-hand vessel electrification knowledge that will enable further participation in the energy transition within its community and for other first nations and coastal communities. Innovative initiatives like the CanUK project help us build capacity that will help this generation and those to come.”
-Drew Bernard, Energy Lead for Lennox Island First Nation
“The CanUK Vessel-to-Grid project aligns with COVE’s overarching commitment to advancing marine decarbonization, recognizing that electrifying marine vessels stands as a pivotal strategy for mitigating carbon emissions. This initiative not only supports the reduction of greenhouse gases but also encourages the development of innovative energy solutions within the maritime industry. By fostering such collaborations, COVE aims to set a precedent for sustainable practices and technological advancements globally.”
-Michel Lechmann, Vice President of Growth at COVE
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.
https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca