First-ever micro carbon capture unit installed in B.C. as part of FortisBC's pilot program

New carbon capture technology reduces emissions and saves energy

SURREY, BC, March 15, 2018 /CNW/ - FortisBC invests in innovative technologies that assist businesses in making sustainable choices while enjoying the benefits of natural gas. The first CleanO2 carbon capture unit was installed this week  at LUSH Cosmetics headquarters in Vancouver, with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in Abbotsford scheduled as the next install as part of FortisBC's carbon capture pilot program.

The pilot program uses first-in-the-world carbon capture technology that takes the extra heat and emissions released from commercial-sized boilers and furnaces and turns it into something useful. The unit captures carbon, which would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere, and turns it into sodium carbonate (soda ash), a versatile mineral used to make pharmaceuticals and manufacture glass as well as soap. In addition, the unit enables energy savings by taking the extra energy produced and redistributing it for heating needs around the building.

"This innovative technology helps our customers manage their energy usage and aligns with our province's goals for carbon reduction," said Jason Wolfe, director, energy solutions at FortisBC. "Our commercial customers are receiving the benefit of using natural gas and through this technology they are reducing their emissions and also being more efficient in their energy use."

The carbon capture process can allow customers to reduce up to 13 tonnes of carbon emissions per unit per year. The technology also decreases energy consumption by up to 10 per cent depending on the boiler or furnace size.

"We're a company that's passionate about environmental issues and driven by creativity, so we're excited to try something new and innovative to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. By using the carbon capture unit, we're hoping to reduce both the CO₂ emissions generated by our processes and the energy consumption of our boiler," says Dawn-Marie Barreira, sustainability & energy management specialist at LUSH Cosmetics. "We're using this opportunity to teach our staff about the technology and the potential for it to have a significant impact beyond our own facilities."

FortisBC develops pilot programs to collaborate with innovative technology and companies that align with its objectives in energy conservation, while servicing customer needs.

"The University of the Fraser Valley is very excited to be involved in this ground-breaking project with our partners FortisBC and CleanO2," said Blair McFarlane, energy manager, facilities and project management at the University of the Fraser Valley. "Installing this leading edge technology will help UFV reduce our carbon footprint and aligns perfectly with one of our core values – leading environmentally sustainable growth in the Fraser Valley."

Other organizations signed on to the carbon capture pilot program include Cadillac Fairview Richmond Centre and the Blue Horizon Hotel.

For more information on the program and carbon capture technology, visit fortisbc.com/carboncapture.

FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, propane and thermal energy solutions. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs more than 1,800 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,008,400 customers in 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC Energy Inc. is indirectly, wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 49,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at fortisinc.com or sedar.com.

SOURCE FortisBC

For further information: Diana Sorace, Corporate Communications Advisor, FortisBC, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected], fortisbc.com, @fortisBC, 24-hour media line: 1-855-322-6397