VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 25, 2021 /CNW/ – The British Columbia Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), is now operational with the appointment of an executive team and board of directors.
The CICE was founded by the Government of British Columbia, Government of Canada and Shell Canada and will bring together innovators, industry, governments and academics to accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of B.C.-based clean energy technologies. It is also intended to be a catalyst for new partnerships and world-leading innovation to deliver near- and longer-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions.
The centre will be led by an executive team consisting of Executive Director Dr. Ged McLean and Deputy Executive Director Yemi Adefulu. Dr. McLean brings over 30 years’ experience in the development and commercialization of new technologies, with technical expertise in areas including renewable energy and hydrogen and fuel cell systems. He is well-positioned to connect local researchers and innovators across B.C.’s innovation ecosystem through his previous role with the University of Victoria’s Institute for Integrated Energy Systems.
Mr. Adefulu brings global experience with background in the corporate energy and financial services sectors. His previous experience leading complex deals, driving operational excellence and stewarding global supply chain transformation underpinned by innovation, digitalization and end-to-end process integration will be a strong asset. The team will be complemented by a Director of Finance, with active recruitment expected imminently.
“I’m excited about the opportunity for the centre to play a pivotal role in identifying solutions for sectors of the economy that are hard to decarbonize. Together we can enable breakthrough technology and innovative business solutions which reduce B.C. and global GHG emissions, “said Dr. Mclean.
“The centre intends to have a diverse group of members who share a common interest in accelerating decarbonization. We look forward to expressions of interest from organizations with a desire to help scale-up clean energy solutions.” said Mr. Adefulu.
The CICE will be established as a member-based, non-profit corporation operating independent from government and private entities. A board of directors will steward the CICE’s operations. Current board members include Dan Woynillowicz, Principal of Polaris Strategy + Insight, Dr. Alan Winter, former B.C. Innovation Commissioner, and Kim Code, a global Shell Vice President and Director of Shell Canada.
The centre’s initial focus is on preparing to solicit, evaluate and support opportunities in the following areas prioritized for funding and project delivery:
- carbon capture, utilization and storage;
- the production, use and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen;
- biofuels and synthetic fuels (including marine and aviation fuels);
- renewable natural gas; and
- battery technology, storage and energy management systems.
As announced previously, the Government of B.C. and Shell Canada have each committed $35 million to the centre that will leverage additional public and private-sector investments and participation. The Government of Canada has committed up to $35 million for the centre’s innovative projects.
A physical office location will be established in the coming months. In the meantime, interested organizations may contact the centre at info@cice.ca.
