Vancouver, British Columbia – The Government of Canada, EnCana Corporation and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) have announced a commitment of $5.5 million in financing to a project by NxtGen Emissions Controls for an innovative diesel emissions reduction system. NxtGen’s syngas technology will help diesel trucks comply with stringent global emissions reduction regulations and could potentially increase fuel economy.

When retrofitted onto existing trucks, the system is expected to reduce particulate emissions by 85 per cent and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 65 per cent. The technology is similar to catalytic converters for gasoline engines.

“This technology is an example of the kind of forward thinking that will help ensure Canada remains at the forefront of clean technologies that will reduce air pollution and our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. “The partnership we see here is a great example of how our government is encouraging innovation, making sure Canadians have the opportunity to enjoy the full environmental and economic benefits of these technologies.”

The project involves field trials of NxtGen’s technology on medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The systems are being retrofitted onto twelve trucks in three fleets across Canada. The system is being developed during a two-year, $12.4 million program. EnCana is contributing to the project through its Environmental Innovation Fund, which supports the development and eventual commercialization of clean-energy technologies related to the energy sector. SDTC is contributing $2.5 million through its SD Tech Fund, which supports technological solutions that address climate change, air quality, clean air and clean soil.