Availability of Lands, Proximity to Asian Markets Offer Unique Opportunity on British Columbia’s North Coast
PRINCE RUPERT, FEBRUARY 14th, 2024 – Today the City of Prince Rupert launched a process to promote development of the area as a hub for innovative energy projects.
“We’re here to tell potential partners that Prince Rupert is open for business,” said Mayor Herb Pond, who is attending GLOBE Forum 2024 in Vancouver, B.C., which brings together leaders and investors from around the world to advance the clean economy. “Prince Rupert has unique competitive advantages and today we’re opening a fast-paced, formal program to secure sustainable economic growth on the North Coast. It’s incumbent on us to do this work, for current and future generations of Rupertites.”
A request for expressions of interest (REI) is accessible immediately on the City’s web site. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 30, 2024. A targeted request for proposals (RFP) will follow in fall 2024 and formal lease agreements could be in place by end of the year.
The process is administered by the City’s wholly owned development arm, Prince Rupert Legacy Inc. Two significant land parcels are included:
- Watson Island – 75 free acres, brownfield site well-suite for larger scale projects
- Lot 444 – 2200 free acres with waterfront access, greenfield site well suited for a range of energy initiatives
Proponents with strong, actionable project concepts are encouraged to apply through the REI in order to advance to the RFP phase of the process. Innovative energy projects include, but are not limited to:
- Hydrogen production and export
- Biomass production and export
- Wind generation
- Run-of-river or tidal energy production
- Innovative energy equipment manufacturers
- Other innovative energy technologies
To view the REI, visit princerupert.ca/innovativeenergyhub,
BACKGROUND:
About Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert is ideally positioned—geographically, economically and culturally—to assume this transformative role. Its coastal location offers direct access to international shipping routes, providing a strategic advantage for exporting innovative energy products. This maritime gateway could particularly serve Asian markets, which are increasingly seeking cleaner energy options yet often lack the natural resources to produce them domestically. Furthermore, the proximity to natural resources like wood waste, wind and hydraulic resources can be leveraged for renewable energy production.
About Prince Rupert Legacy Inc.
Through Prince Rupert Legacy Inc. (PRLI), Prince Rupert will negotiate lease arrangements with selected companies for parcels on City owned Watson Island and Legacy-owned Lot 444 to support the development and commercialization of innovative energy projects on these lands. The terms of the leases will be designed to balance the need for economic viability of the projects with the overarching objectives of the Innovative Energy Hub.
PRLI is a 100% wholly owned development corporation of the City of Prince Rupert. Created in 2014, PRLI was established as a strategic initiative in response to the growing need for sustainable economic development and community enrichment. The organization was created to manage and leverage city assets in a manner that aligns with long-term strategic goals. The organization is governed by a board of directors comprised of senior Prince Rupert municipal government staff.
Fact Sheets:
- Watson Island and Lot 444 Fact Sheet
- Prince Rupert Innovative Energy Hub: A Sustainable Vision for Our Future
For additional information on the Request for Expressions of Interest, contact:
Paul Vendittelli,
Director of Economic Development and Transportation
Office: (250) 627 5138
Email: paul.vendittelli@princerupert.ca
Website: princerupert.ca/innovativeenergyhub
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca