RICHMOND – Richmond-based IRDI Systems will receive $55,000 to further develop B.C.’s clean energy vehicle (CEV) sector, create good jobs and support low-carbon innovation.

“Under our CleanBC plan, we are building a low-carbon economy that will reduce climate pollution and create good jobs across our province,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “To get there faster, we are supporting innovative companies like IDRI Systems to develop made-in-B.C. technology that will put us on the path to a cleaner, better future.”

IRDI Systems will develop a hydrogen fuelling nozzle, using made-in-B.C. clean tech to make fuel-cell vehicles more user-friendly. The nozzle will enable clean commercial fuel-cell vehicles to fuel more quickly, making them more appealing and accessible to fleets around the world.

IRDI is one of five B.C. companies receiving a total of $1,190,856 through the Province’s Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) Program for the CEV sector.

“As we move ever closer to a world of zero-emission vehicles, innovative projects like this one are helping us to better realize this goal,” said George Chow, Minister of State for Trade and MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview. “What IRDI Systems is doing here in the Lower Mainland is another step forward, and one that will help our province’s reputation as one of the global leaders in clean tech.”

Chow made the announcement while touring IDRI System’s manufacturing facility in Richmond.

“For over nine years, our small team has shipped cutting-edge technology all around the world, helping countries build hydrogen fuelling infrastructure,” said Edward Li, general manager, IRDI Systems. “The hydrogen fuelling industry is evolving rapidly, and the Advanced Research and Commercialization Program grant will help us develop equipment for buses as public transit authorities start to adopt hydrogen technology more widely.”

The ARC Program is part of the government’s CleanBC plan. CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quick Facts:

• The CEV sector includes battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The sector includes companies and organizations involved in all aspects of the CEV supply chain — from raw materials to final consumer products — related to vehicles or vehicle components, fuel and infrastructure, and transferable technologies and services.
• British Columbia’s CEV sector is already delivering jobs and significant economic opportunities in the province, including:
  • an estimated 198 companies and organizations involved in all aspects of the sector;
  • 3,850 full-time equivalent jobs in total direct employment associated with CEV-related activities;
  • $702 million in total economic output; and
  • $373 million direct contribution to provincial gross domestic product.
• The ARC Program provides funding to eligible companies operating across all aspects of the CEV supply chain. The funding is provided to:
  • showcase B.C. CEV technologies with export potential;
  • support pre-commercial CEV technologies that are made or designed in B.C.;
  • demonstrate commercial success for B.C.-based CEV technologies; and
  • support companies in the CEV sector that wish to locate or invest in B.C.

Learn More:

ARC Program: https://arcbc.ca

A backgrounder follows with detailed information on the successful funding applicant.

IRDI Systems is one of five British Columbia companies receiving a total of $1,190,856 aimed at developing advanced technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and other hydrogen fuelling equipment.

This will help the Province move towards the ultimate goal of zero-emission vehicles — cars, trucks and other transportation machines that do not produce any pollution at all.

IRDI is a B.C. hydrogen fuelling technology developer located in Richmond that exports products internationally. IRDI will develop and commercialize a hydrogen fuelling nozzle for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which will incorporate controller area network protocol. This protocol is used in fuel cell vehicles for communication between vehicles and fuelling stations.

This project will allow medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to fuel more quickly, as they will be able to use 700 bar pressure. The project is expected to be completed by December 2019.

Amount funded: $54,990
Total project cost: $109,980