Latest news with #EvanSolomon
Hamilton Spectator
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Feds give $10M to Canada's first carbon capture cement plant, in Mississauga
Canada's first commercial carbon capture cement facility is now under construction in Mississauga Ont., backed by $10 million in federal funding. The project is part of the country's effort to reduce industrial emissions. The project, led by Calgary-based startup Carbon Upcycling in partnership with Ash Grove Cement, aims to capture carbon dioxide from cement production and turn it into a low-carbon material that can replace part of traditional cement. Evan Solomon, Canada's minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, attended the event and told Canada's National Observer carbon capture storage will play an important role in achieving a net-zero future. He said the Carbon Upcycling project is an example of the kind of Canadian innovation needed to stay competitive while cutting emissions. 'These collaborative projects highlight the power of innovation to drive real progress — helping Canada's manufacturers thrive while supporting our climate goals and enhancing our global competitiveness,' the minister said. The facility will use Carbon Upcycling's technology to mix captured CO2 with steel byproducts like slag to create a powder similar to cement used in construction. Carbon Upcycling CEO Apoorv Sinha told Canada's National Observer the system could reduce emissions from cement by up to 40 per cent. Once operational in 2026, it's expected to remove 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year — roughly the same as taking 6,500 gasoline-powered cars off the road annually. The federal government has made carbon capture a key part of its net-zero strategy . It offers tax credits covering up to 60 per cent of project costs and has launched programs to buy carbon removal services. Still, critics argue that funding high-cost , underperforming technologies may divert resources away from more proven solutions such as electrification, renewable energy and nature-based carbon storage. Sinha said this is the first time the technology is being fully integrated into a working cement plant in Canada. The company has demonstration sites in Calgary, and if the Mississauga plant performs well, it could be replicated globally at thousands of other cement plants, he added. Sinha said the new facility will store up to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide in every tonne of low-carbon cement it produces. Instead of burying the emissions, the carbon stays in building materials used in homes, roads and other infrastructure. The end product has market value, making it a more practical and scalable solution, he added. Sinha said the project's total cost is around $35 million, funded by Carbon Upcycling, its private partners and the federal government. Cement production makes up about 1.5 per cent of Canada's emissions and up to eight per cent globally, prompting international efforts to cut pollution from the global concrete sector — a market worth more than $75 billion. Supporters say technologies such as carbon capture and utilization (CCU) are essential for meeting net-zero targets, especially in hard-to-decarbonize industries like cement. But while the Mississauga project is a first for Canada, the broader carbon capture sector still faces growing skepticism. Recent data from Iceland's Mammoth facility — the world's largest direct air capture (DAC) plant — showed it captured only 105 tonnes of carbon dioxide in its first year, far below its 36,000-tonne target. The Icelandic facility uses different technology than the kind of carbon capture at work in Mississauga, but analysts say this highlights the high cost and technical challenges of scaling up carbon removal technologies. In Canada, seven carbon capture and storage projects are currently operating, capturing just 0.5 per cent of national emissions. Many of these projects are linked to the oil and gas industry and depend heavily on public funding . Research from the International Institute for Sustainable Development suggests that carbon capture and utilization is too expensive, slow and energy-intensive to significantly help meet 2030 climate goals. Carbon capture and storage 'may play an important role in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors such as cement and steel, where substitute materials or fully matured decarbonization technologies are not yet available or fully developed,' reads the report . However, the report notes the high costs and potential limitations to effectiveness should not be overlooked. Canada is also investing in other large-scale initiatives, such as Heidelberg Materials' $275-million zero-carbon cement project in Edmonton, which is expected to capture one million tonnes of carbon dioxideCO₂ annually — nearly 95 per cent of that facility's emissions. Solomon acknowledged that carbon capture has faced criticism but stressed that the only way to improve it is through continued investment and strong public-private partnerships. Using the technology, refining it and setting clear standards are key to making it work, he added. 'Clean technology, including carbon capture, will play an integral role in our efforts to decarbonize. Projects such as this one present significant economic opportunity for Canadian industry in clean technology, clean energy and decarbonization,' said Julie Dabrusin, Canada's minister of environment and climate change, in a statement. 'We will continue to work with partners across sectors to accelerate the adoption of this kind of technology and ensure Canada is a global leader in carbon capture investments.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
14 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
MEDIA ADVISORY - Minister Solomon to participate in an event hosted by the Foundation for Black Communities in Toronto
GATINEAU, QC, July 30, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will deliver remarks at the Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G) 2.0 event in Toronto. Minister Solomon is attending on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. Please note that all details are subject to change. Notes for media: To register, contact [email protected] with your name and media outlet. ) For information: Jennifer Kozelj, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
Cision Canada
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Canada Drives Innovative Technology to Reduce Emissions From Commercial Transportation Fleets Français
TORONTO, July 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada is accelerating innovation in emerging clean technologies that will make it easier for businesses to transition to low-carbon choices and helping Canada's largest city modernize its fleets. Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced more than $21 million for nine research, development and demonstration projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Canada's transportation sector. The cutting-edge technology in these projects aim to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for businesses by improving system efficiency, making it easier to switch to zero-emissions vehicles and addressing technical and market barriers for medium- to heavy-duty vehicles that have low or zero emissions. These projects are funded through Natural Resources Canada's Energy Innovation Program On-road Transportation Decarbonization call for proposals, which targets the most impactful technologies to maximize economic and environmental outcomes. Minister Solomon also announced a $4.97-million investment for the City of Toronto to transition 60 of its waste-collection vehicles to operate with a hybrid electric-compressed natural gas system. This innovative conversion drastically reduces emissions, fuel consumption and operational noise without disrupting the vehicle's performance. This project is funded under the Green Freight Program fleet modernization stream, which funds repowering existing vehicles, purchasing low-carbon alternative-fuel vehicles and implementing logistical best practices that make the transportation industry more efficient. Quotes "We are taking bold steps to make Canada an energy superpower. Through these projects, Canadian innovators are creating and commercializing the emerging technologies we need for clean, sustainable transportation for our future. We're investing in Canadian ideas to accelerate emissions reductions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which strengthens our supply chains and energy independence. We're also delivering practical, on-the-ground solutions as we drive the transition to zero-emissions fleets in Canada's largest city, Toronto." The Honourable Tim Hodgson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "With today's announcement, we're not just investing in technology — we're powering a new era of smarter, more-sustainable transportation for Toronto. Sixty municipal waste trucks are becoming testaments to innovation: quieter on our streets, lighter on fuel, lower on emissions. We're enabling homegrown breakthroughs — right here in the GTA and southwestern Ontario — that are driving electric vehicle performance, safety and reliability in uniquely Canadian conditions. From bustling city routes to subzero winters, this is how we move our cities, and our country, forward." The Honourable Evan Solomon Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation "It's an exciting time to take advantage of technologies that can reduce emissions and bring our fleet of vehicles into the future. We thank the Government of Canada for its partnership as Toronto continues to find ways to make our city greener, while maximizing the economic benefits of this type of technology." Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of the City of Toronto Quick Facts The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Transportation accounts for about a quarter of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. The Green Freight Program helps fleets reduce fuel costs and emissions through vehicle repowering, the purchase of low-carbon alternative fuel vehicles and the implementation of logistical best practices to improve fuel efficiency. Energy Innovation Program – On-road Transportation Decarbonization Call for Proposals Green Freight Program Funding is available for fleet energy assessments and truck/trailer equipment retrofits Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Minister Solomon to Announce Transportation Decarbonization Funding/ Français
TORONTO, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - The Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the Honourable Evan Solomon, on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, will make a funding announcement to support transportation decarbonization in the Greater Toronto Area. Media availability will follow. Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Time: 9:30 a.m. ET All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing [email protected]. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration. Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada partners with United Kingdom to invest in groundbreaking AI alignment research Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) is key to unlocking Canada's prosperity, resiliency and security as well as strengthening the country's leadership. The Government of Canada is committed to scaling up Canada's AI ecosystem, building AI infrastructure, increasing the adoption of AI systems and strengthening trust. In doing so, it is essential to develop AI in a safe and responsible manner so that it benefits all Canadians. Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announced that the Canadian AI Safety Institute, through the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, will contribute $1 million to the UK AI Security Institute 's Alignment Project, a cutting-edge initiative to advance research on AI alignment. This critical field is focused on making advanced AI systems operate in a reliable and beneficial way, without unintended or harmful actions. The Alignment Project is backed by a CAN$29 million (£15.9 million) investment from an international coalition that includes Schmidt Sciences, Amazon Web Services, Halcyon Futures, the Safe AI Fund and the Advanced Research and Invention Agency. The project will support pioneering work to keep advanced systems safe by maintaining transparency, predictability and responsiveness to human oversight. Through its collaborative approach, the project will remove key barriers that have previously limited alignment research by offering three distinct support streams: Grant funding: Up to $1.8 million for researchers across disciplines, including computer science and cognitive science Compute access: Dedicated compute resources, enabling technical experiments beyond typical academic reach Venture capital: Investment from private funders to accelerate commercial alignment solutions The project will be guided by a world-class advisory board that includes Canadian AI expert Yoshua Bengio as well as Zico Kolter, Shafi Goldwasser and Andrea Lincoln. This partnership will allow Canada to navigate this pivotal period of rapid technological advancement alongside profound geopolitical shifts and to position our country and its partners for success. Quotes "We are at a hinge moment in the story of AI, where our choices today will shape Canada's economic future and influence the global trajectory of this technology. By investing strategically in scale, infrastructure and adoption, we're not just fuelling opportunity for Canadians—we're making sure progress is matched by purpose and responsibility. That's why this partnership, uniting the Canadian AI Safety Institute and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research with the UK AI Security Institute, matters. Together, we're advancing cutting-edge research to ensure next generation of AI systems are not only powerful but also reliable—serving societies here at home and around the world." – The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario "CIFAR is proud to partner in this vital international effort to ensure advanced AI systems remain aligned with human values. CIFAR's mandate is to convene the world's top researchers to address the most pressing challenges facing humanity, and few challenges are more urgent than ensuring AI is safe, predictable and beneficial for all. Through our leadership of the Canadian AI Safety Institute Research Program at CIFAR, we are advancing foundational research that will help safeguard the transformative potential of AI while protecting the public interest." – Elissa Strome, Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Quick facts Established in November 2024, the Canadian AI Safety Institute (CAISI) seeks to advance scientific understanding of the risks associated with advanced AI systems, develop measures to reduce those risks and build trust to foster AI innovation. CAISI is partnering with counterparts around the world, including the UK AI Security Institute, to advance common understandings of and responses to safety risks. CAISI leverages the robust Canadian AI research ecosystem and advances AI safety research through two research streams: investigator-led research via the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and government-directed projects led by the National Research Council of Canada. CIFAR is a globally influential research organization based in Canada. It mobilizes experts from across disciplines and at various career stages to advance transformative knowledge and solve complex problems. The Government of Canada has also launched other initiatives to support the safe and responsible development and deployment of AI systems and safe AI adoption across the Canadian economy, including the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems and a guide for managers on implementing the Code of Conduct. Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Contacts: Sofia Ouslis, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
