British Columbia: Canada's Clean Tech Powerhouse

By Jennifer Marron
Published May 3, 2022 | 36 min listen

As the world hunts for solutions to the global emissions crisis, many are putting their faith in the technology sector. In Canada, that’s transformed the Greater Vancouver Area—home to 25% of the country’s clean tech companies—into a beacon of hope.

British Columbia’s lush landscape of forests, ocean and mountains isn’t the only reason it’s been referred to as Canada’s “green” province. Today, more than 98% of B.C.’s electricity is generated from clean or renewable resources. Its emissions per capita is among the lowest of all Canadian provinces. And its capital, Vancouver, has become a magnet for innovative firms tackling climate change.

According to the Vancouver Economic Commission, approximately 70% of B.C.’s 200+ clean tech companies are based in city, employing more than 3,500 people. The area is also home to the world’s largest hydrogen and fuel cell industries, with a 16% global market share.

The second episode in our three-part special, “Disruptors: The Climate Conversations” features a hands-on journey through the heart of B.C.’s Clean Tech Valley, where host John Stackhouse met with several companies working to decarbonize Canada’s economy: carbon capture innovator Svante Inc., fuel-cell manufacturer Loop Energy and electric motorcycle pioneer Damon Motors Inc.


Decades of innovative, green policy from both city and provincial governments have made Vancouver a clean tech hub for companies like these. Having instituted the world’s first carbon tax in 2008, the city embraced game-changing goals and strategies, including the Greenest City Action Plan and the 100% Renewable Strategy.

Today, Vancouver is at the forefront of global innovation, especially in fuel cell solutions, power electronics, and waste/wastewater treatment technologies. And the world is taking notice. The city was recently recognized as one of the world’s top three clean tech ecosystems by Startup Genome, a finding not all that surprising, considering 13 of the world’s top 100 clean tech firms are Canadian, as reported by the Global Cleantech 100 report.


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Jennifer Marron

Jennifer Marron
Producer, Disruptors


British ColumbiaCanadaCarbon Capture Utilization and StorageCarbon TaxClean TechnologyESGEconomicsEconomyGlobal Emissions CrisisIndustry Specific Innovations and TechnologyVancouver