NorthX Launches Call for Energy Storage Innovation with BC Hydro

Up to $3 million in non-dilutive funding available to advance energy storage innovation and grid technologies to propel decarbonization and electrification in BC 

Vancouver, BC, November 26, 2024 – Today, the BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (NorthX), announced the launch of the Call for Energy Storage Innovation, a strategic collaboration with BC Hydro aimed at accelerating the commercialization and scaling of energy storage in BC  

NorthX invites proposals from innovators and will offer up to $3 million in non-dilutive investment to projects focused on developing commercial pathways for scalable electricity storage and grid solutions. The Call for Energy Storage Innovation aims to advance the province’s decarbonization and electrification efforts.  

“We have partnered with BC Hydro to identify the areas of innovation needed to support and diversify an abundant, reliable, and affordable clean energy future. Now, we’re calling on innovators to deliver the energy storage and grid solutions that BC Hydro and other utilities worldwide need most. Together, we can fast-track market readiness, attract investment, and strengthen BC’s leadership in clean energy innovation.”  

Sarah Goodman

President and CEO of NorthX

A Call to Action for Innovators 

The Call for Energy Storage Innovation underscores the shared vision of BC Hydro and NorthX to advance and diversify sources of clean energy in BC The collaboration supports BC Hydro’s expansion and diversification of its clean and renewable electricity supply while aligning with NorthX’s focus on enabling the commercial development and scaling of made-in-Canada clean energy technologies. 

“BC Hydro’s collaboration with NorthX presents a unique opportunity for British Columbia to lead in developing and implementing innovative grid solution. Together, we are committed to identifying projects that will enable clean and renewable electricity, like wind and solar, enhance reliability by providing more flexibility in how we manage our customer needs and our grid, as our customers look to use more clean power.”

Chris O’Riley

President and CEO of BC Hydro

Who Can Apply? 

This program is open to all Canadian companies that have projects located within the province of British Columbia. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to successfully complete proposed projects through effective management, operational capabilities, and robust financial backing. NorthX is particularly interested in initiatives that focus on scaling energy storage solutions that can be replicated across jurisdictions to drive global climate impact.  

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: 

• Energy Storage (Stationary or Mobile) 

• Microgrids, Distributed Energy Resources, and Hybrid Systems 

• Flexible Generation, Load, and Grid Management 

• Power Electronics, Integrated Energy Systems, and Sensing Technologies 

The Call for Energy Storage Innovation prioritizes projects that support BC Hydro’s battery and energy storage incentive programs and offer significant co-benefits such as affordability, reliability, and enhanced community resilience. Eligible activities may include demonstrations, pilot projects, innovative implementation strategies, and the development of novel business models. Learn more about this call.

NorthX and BC Hydro are dedicated to fostering a low-carbon future and expanding the horizons of clean energy innovation. Applications will be accepted November 26, 2024 – February 28, 2025.   

About NorthX 

The BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (NorthX) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that provides early-stage, non-dilutive investment to fast-track the commercialization of British Columbia’s most impactful clean energy solutions – from Canada to the world. We match the urgency and efficiency of the companies we fund, driving innovation like the planet depends on it. Because it does. Together with our climate-first community of innovators, industry leaders, academia, government, and Indigenous partners, we advance future pathways to net-zero – leveraging British Columbia’s clean energy advantages to attract investment, create good jobs and build sustainable economic prosperity for decades to come. www.northx.ca   

About BC Hydro  

BC Hydro is a provincial Crown corporation, owned by the government and people of British Columbia, Canada. It is a leader in clean and renewable electricity generation and delivers power to 95% of the population of BC and serves over five million people. www.bchydro.com