Government of Canada provides research grants to reduce air emissions from rail transportation

EDMONTON, July 24, 2018 /CNW/ - Clean growth is essential for Canada's transportation system ? to meet our emission reduction targets, grow our economy, and build resilience to a changing climate.  The Government of Canada is committed to protecting air quality and ensuring Canadians have healthy communities in which to live, work and raise their families.

To achieve this, Transport Canada established the Clean Rail Academic Grant Program.  The program provides funding to support academic research programs that are developing technologies and practices to reduce air emissions from the rail sector.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today announced an investment of $25,000 for a University of Alberta project called "A genetic algorithm approach towards optimizing container placement in intermodal trains for reduced aerodynamic drag." The project will help develop a computerized method to optimize the loading of trains in order to reduce wind drag.  Canadian National Railway estimates that each aerodynamic gap greater than 10 feet between containers can increase the train's fuel consumption by up to 1%.

Quotes

"I am pleased that we are taking concrete action to a cleaner, more innovative economy that reduces emissions and protects the environment. Our clean transportation efforts will achieve emission reductions, improve human health, and provide environmental benefits, while supporting clean growth and generating jobs for Canadians. We will all benefit by reducing rail emissions and by supporting research of new and emerging technologies."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

"Clean technologies are a key part of Canada's approach to sustainable economic growth. Through projects like this one, the University of Alberta can play a leading role in shifting Canada toward a low-carbon economy, reducing rail emissions, and generating jobs for Canadians. By helping to protect our environment and strengthen our economy, we are creating new opportunities that will allow our children and grandchildren to prosper for generations."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi
Minister of Natural Resources

Quick Facts

• The Clean Rail Academic Grant Program provides funding to support academic research programs that are developing new technologies and practices that reduce air emissions from the rail sector.
• Under Round 5 of the Program, 10 research projects will receive a grant of up to $25,000.

Backgrounder

Clean Rail Academic Grant Program (Round 5)

Associated Link

Clean Rail Academic Grant Program

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SOURCE Transport Canada