Batteries included: B.C's new energy-efficient battery manufacturing facility
Western Canada's first high performance lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant
Canadians are more reliant on rechargeable batteries than ever before, especially the lithium-ion variety. These power our everyday devices from smartphones to electric toothbrushes and laptops. They're also vital for the operation of electric vehicles (EVs), and as backup storage for renewable energy, such as solar power.
In many ways, our clean energy future will rely on lithium-ion battery production. And B.C. is about to become home to Western Canada's first high-performance lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing site, operated by E-One Moli Energy (Canada) and powered by our renewable electricity.
Maple Ridge was chosen as the location for the new state of the art lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant. When the site's operating at full capacity, E-One Moli Energy expects it will produce up to 135 million lithium-ion cells every year. These could be used in everything from power tools and medical devices to high-performance vehicles and even zero-emissions aircraft.
Benefits of B.C.-based clean energy and incentives
B.C. is the ideal place for businesses like E-One Moli Energy to set up shop, with 98% of the electricity we generate coming from clean and renewable resources. We also have competitive industrial rates and incentives that make our province among the most affordable for energy-efficient operations in North America. Our Electrification Plan funding programs help new, eligible transmission and major distribution customers – particularly clean-tech and high-tech companies – reduce costs when connecting to our integrated grid.
Frank So, executive vice president at E-One Moli Energy has helped spearhead the effort to establish the Maple Ridge facility. "The dedicated support and expertise that BC Hydro has provided have been invaluable in helping our company navigate the process to connect to clean hydroelectricity," So explains. "The level of support from all levels of government and BC Hydro helped with our final investment decision and we're excited to grow our business in B.C."
Already established and new-to-B.C. businesses that are looking to electrify new operations may be eligible to receive funding. Through our programs, we help match new businesses with existing industrial sites to reduce the time and cost to connect.
"As a Western North American leader in clean electricity generation, we can help attract low-carbon businesses to B.C. by enabling companies to achieve their ESG targets by powering with renewable energy," says Keith Anderson, BC Hydro's vice president of customer, business development and energy management. "We've provided E-One Moli Energy with funding to assist in transitioning some of their manufacturing processes from fossil fuels to clean electricity and help reduce the overall cost of connecting to our system. This demonstrates our commitment to supporting businesses and economic development in the province while also supporting the CleanBC Plan."
About CleanBC
The CleanBC plan has set an aggressive target of reducing climate-changing emissions by 40% by 2030. To meet this, we need to use more clean electricity to power our economy. With the industrial sector accounting for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, we're supporting this sector through programs and funding to transition from fossil fuels, choosing to electrify all or part of its operations, or by improving energy efficiency. At full production, E-One Moli Energy is expected to avoid 28 kilo tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually by connecting to our clean electricity grid.
On top of significantly reducing emissions from operations by developing one of the most energy-efficient, low-carbon manufacturing facilities in the world, the $1.05 billion plant is expected to create 450 permanent, skilled jobs that will generate new economic activity for the community, bolster B.C. as a clean tech hub, and diversify the industrial sector.
Want to electrify your business?
If you're looking to find out more about how BC Hydro can support in your electrification journey, contact your Key Account Manager or Regional Energy Manager, or call 604 522 4713 in the Lower Mainland or 1 866 522 4713 elsewhere in B.C.