GHD Collaborates with Environment and Climate Change Canada to Explore Pathways for Decarbonizing Industrial Off-Road Equipment

12:30 pm UTC April 3, 2025 Apr 3, 2025 | by: GHD | Energy

(Photo by: GHD)

GHD has been awarded a contract by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to investigate strategies for transitioning Canada’s industrial off-road machinery and equipment to low-carbon and zero-emission technologies, in support of the country's net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

As one of the largest per capita greenhouse gas emitters, Canada is prioritizing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. GHD is partnering with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to explore feasible paths for decarbonizing Canada’s industrial off-road equipment. This project will help accelerate the shift towards cleaner alternatives in industries critical to the national economy.

Rippen Bhattacharjee, GHD’s Senior Advisor on Decarbonization, emphasized: "Canada's commitment to decarbonization is more vital than ever—not only to achieve our net-zero goals but to position ourselves as a leader on the global stage. Our goal is to provide concrete, actionable research that addresses the specific needs of Canada’s industrial sector, whether that’s ensuring the readiness of critical infrastructure, optimizing lifecycle costs, or pinpointing the most effective technology solutions."

Project Focus and Key Areas

The project, set to conclude in June 2025, aims to support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy by analyzing decarbonization pathways for various industrial off-road vehicles and machinery. Key industrial sectors, including automotive manufacturing, iron and steel production, and pulp and paper plants, will be assessed to understand the potential for adopting low-carbon and zero-emission technologies. The focus areas for the study include:

Equipment Analysis: This involves evaluating commonly used industrial equipment such as aerial lifts, forklifts, cranes, and air compressors, focusing on their fuel consumption and operational needs.
Technology Evaluation: Identifying emerging global low-carbon and zero-emission technologies, including clean fuels and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) solutions, suitable for Canadian industries.
Cost and Emissions Comparison: Comparing the lifecycle costs and emission reductions between traditional fossil fuel systems and clean, zero-emission alternatives.
Infrastructure Assessment: Assessing the capital costs, electricity demand, and renewable energy requirements to support the transition to decarbonized equipment across industries.

The overarching goal is to provide ECCC with a clear and actionable roadmap for reducing industrial emissions, identify market barriers to adopting clean technologies, and suggest solutions to overcome them. This initiative will help inform policy, funding, and regulatory decisions, positioning Canada to meet its 2050 net-zero targets while ensuring its industrial sectors remain globally competitive.

Industry Participation Invitation

GHD calls on industry owners and operators to participate in this essential project. By contributing real-world data, participants will help create a clearer understanding of the current state of industrial operations and identify the most effective zero-emission solutions. This collaboration will be key in shaping Canada’s industrial decarbonization efforts and ensuring the right technologies are adopted for long-term success.