2024 Cleantech Report: Opportunities in Atlantic Canada’s Cleantech Sector

Cleantech is on the rise across Canada, and the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador Canada are riding the wave – while opening doors to exciting and rewarding careers.

Why are these opportunities booming? The Canadian government has invested billions into Cleantech initiatives that spur innovation, commercialization, and the adoption of clean technologies since 2017. This ongoing commitment has created a thriving ecosystem that empowers Cleantech businesses nationwide. In fact, as of July 2023, there were 2,427 Cleantech companies dispersed across Canadian provinces, advancing sub-industries like recycling, environmental remediation, agriculture, and mining.

Atlantic Canada, in particular, has developed a Clean Power Roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And with Canada targeting a net-zero economy by 2050, these provinces can expect to see jobs in the clean energy sector alone climb 6% from 33,100 to 132,000 in the next 25 years.

Whether you’re starting your career journey or considering a shift, Atlantic Canada’s Cleantech sector is a perfect place to make a meaningful impact toward a sustainable future–while finding career success.

Cleantech in Atlantic Canada: An Overview

With net zero in sight, Atlantic Canada is well positioned to lead in clean transportation, low-carbon machinery, and energy-efficient building, with particular demand for roles in three areas: sales and service, applied and technical sciences, and business, finance, and administration. But what’s behind these opportunities?

New Brunswick

New Brunswick boasts one of Canada's most diverse energy portfolios, incorporating hydroelectric, nuclear, wind, and biofuel sources. The province is actively adapting its energy mix to align with innovative clean energy solutions in response to climate change.

Aligned with the national charge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Government of New Brunswick aims to surpass the 40% to 45% reduction target below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment has sparked new policies, including the phased closure of coal-fired electricity by 2030.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador harness water and wind power for hydroelectric and green hydrogen production. The completed Maritime Link allows the province to expert hydropower, which supports net-zero electricity ambitions in other regions.

To replace diesel fuel generation in remote areas, the Government of Canada is funding the construction of clean microgrids, aligning with the province's commitment to a cleaner energy mix. Recent announcements underscore Newfoundland and Labrador's ongoing commitment to clean energy, including investments in St. John's city facilities, funding for Indigenous communities, and collaborations for green fuel transshipment corridors.

Nova Scotia

The province of Nova Scotia is primed to create a significant impact in Cleantech, focusing on key areas like lighting, energy efficiency, renewable power generation, energy storage, and green building materials. The province prioritizes these efforts to diversify its energy sources, improve efficiency and productivity, and minimize environmental impact.

In addition, the federal government has announced federal government support for projects including the green energy hub by EverWind Fuels in Nova Scotia. EverWind Fuels is poised to contribute to clean power generation and clean hydrogen production for domestic use and export to global markets, now backed by a $125M loan through a partnership with Export Development Canada Initiatives like this showcase the dedication to advancing Cleantech initiatives in Atlantic Canada.

Prince Edward Island

PEI is taking ambitious steps to combat climate change and become the first province in Canada to achieve net-zero emissions. Recognizing the role Cleantech will play in achieving this goal, PEI provides funding and business support through its Cleantech Research and Innovation Fund, as well as Innovation PEI.

The Cleantech Park, a 60-acre business park, is a focal point for Cleantech innovation, business, energy, and education in the region. Central to the park is the Cleantech Learning and Innovation Centre, a hub for collaboration, learning, and innovation that houses the Cleantech Academy. The PEI Energy Academy within the Centre provides applied training, research, and early-stage development in energy innovation.

5 Cleantech Sub-Industries to Watch in Atlantic Canada

Which sub-industries are strong today, and which are on the rise for tomorrow? Let's explore the key Cleantech sub-sectors actively shaping a cleaner future in Atlantic Canada.

1. Energy Efficiency/Green Buildings: Advancements in energy-efficient technologies for buildings, green building materials, HVAC and building systems, and sustainable construction methods
2. Renewable Energy: Expansion of renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power generation. This also includes carbon capture and storage, and technologies that enhance power efficiency.
3. Extractive Processes and Products: Sustainable extraction methods in resource industries such as mining, along with the development of eco-friendly products manufactured from extracted materials
4. Water and Wastewater: Innovations in water treatment technologies, sustainable solutions for wastewater management, and technologies that ensure water conservation and quality
5. Clean Transportation: Innovations in electric vehicles, charging-related infrastructure, and zero-emissions public transit, building on an already strong leadership position in EV-related cleantech.

10 Notable Cleantech Companies in Atlantic Canada

One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of Cleantech career opportunities in Atlantic Canada. If you’re considering a career change, you may find yourself working for a startup, scaleup, or established business like these:

New Brunswick

1. Stash Energy

• Sub-industry: Energy storage
• Year founded: 2016
• Overview: Pioneering the development of an innovative energy storage system and energy-efficient heat pumps
• How it's changing the status quo: Storing and managing energy to use it more efficiently, save money, and significantly reduce emissions
• Number of employees: 4

2. Plaex Building Systems

• Sub-industry: Construction
• Year founded: 2020
• Overview: Creating ecologically-friendly cement-like bricks and blocks for building projects using recycled thermal plastic waste
• How it's changing the status quo: Diverting plastic waste and offsetting greenhouse gases while making the building process simpler and cost-effective
• Number of employees: 7

3. Climative

• Sub-industry: Decarbonization
• Year founded: 2014
• Overview: Using AI and blockchain technologies to engage home and building owners in facilitating energy-efficient retrofits
• How it's changing the status quo: Creating personalized low-carbon plans that help reduce carbon emissions through real-world analysis and insights
• Number of employees: 17

Newfoundland and Labrador

4. 3F Waste Recovery

• Sub-industry: Waste recovery and upcycling
• Year founded: 2017
• Overview: Creating clean, sustainable, and traceable products by upcycling waste from Newfoundland and Labrador's fish, farm, and forest industries
• How it's changing the status quo: Enables a circular bioeconomy by repurposing by-products like shells, fins, bones, and skins into high-value ingredients
• Number of employees: 1-10

5. ABO Wind AG

• Sub-industry: Renewable energy
• Year founded: 1996
• Overview: Planning, constructing, operating, and maintaining wind farms, solar power systems, battery systems, and hydrogen projects
• How it's changing the status quo: Facilitating the transition to clean energy by spearheading renewable energy projects worldwide
• Number of employees: 22 in Canada, 1,100+ worldwide

Nova Scotia

6. Acuicy

• Sub-industry: Carbon reduction
• Year founded: 2022
• Overview: Developing AI-powered software that enables businesses to evaluate the ROI of decarbonization
• How it's changing the status quo: Addressing emissions at the source and providing tailored solutions to help businesses along the path to net-zero
• Number of employees: 9

7. Drinkable

• Sub-industry: Water quality
• Year founded: 2020
• Overview: Developing portable, handheld water testing devices to easily, accurately, and affordably measure drinking water quality
• How it's changing the status quo: Empowering people with the ability to test their own water, particularly well water, with insights to help understand potential risks
• Number of employees: 4

8. Planetary Technologies

• Sub-industry: Carbon removal
• Year founded: 2019
• Overview: Accelerating the long-term transfer of atmospheric CO2 into the ocean through natural processes while reducing ocean acidity n
• How it's changing the status quo: Combatting two climate challenges at once: the safe storage of a key greenhouse gas and promoting ocean health
• Number of employees: 28

Prince Edward Island

9. AquaBounty Technologies

• Sub-industry: Aquaculture
• Year founded: 1991
• Overview: Meeting global consumer demand for high-quality seafood with sustainable land-based Atlantic salmon farms
• How it's changing the status quo: Challenging traditional aquaculture practices and introducing environmentally conscious and efficient seafood production
• Number of employees: 115

10. Sentry

• Sub-industry: Wastewater treatment
• Year founded: 2013
• Overview: Developing bio-electrode sensor technology that provides real-time microbial performance monitoring in wastewater treatment systems
• How it's changing the status quo: Using real-time data to keep drinking water healthy and reduce the environmental impact of wastewater management
• Number of employees: 28

Provincial Cleantech Growth Infrastructure + Funding

We’ve covered the growth potential and key companies in Western Canada, but what makes this region ideal for building your cleantech career? Here are the essential accelerators, agencies, and associations you need to know.

New Brunswick

• Energia Ventures: Provides a three-month intensive program with funding, mentoring, and programming to help startups in the energy, cleantech, cybersecurity, and other sectors​​.
• The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF): Offers a suite of initiatives, including funding, commercialization support, and access to dedicated cleantech support programming.

Newfoundland Labrador

• Econext: Supporting innovators advancing clean growth with a support framework for startups, business development programming, and workforce preparation for a green economy.

Nova Scotia

• Clean Foundation: Offers a range of programs and grants across various sectors including climate action, coasts, education, energy, transportation, and workforce development.
• Net Zero Atlantic: Connects applied cleantech research with opportunities for cleantech projects and initiatives, as well as workshops and education about the sector.
• Springboard 360°: Promotes collaboration between researchers, innovators, institutions, and government to create opportunities in the transition to a sustainable, green economy

Prince Edward Island

• Cleantech PEI: PEI is developing a series of cleantech supports, including a 60-acre business park, an industry alliance, a certificate program and master’s degree, and funding opportunities.
• ​​Innovation PEI: Provides support and guidance to help businesses grow, including funding, grants, partnership programs, and support specific to the Cleantech sector.

Across Atlantic Canada

• Foresight CAC: Supports cleantech ventures at every stage with programming designed to take you from concept development to commercialization. Foresight helps innovators access resources and partnerships to drive Canada's progress toward a net-zero economy.

Exploring these organizations and opportunities can help job-seekers eager to make a difference align with entrepreneurs and companies dedicated to building a sustainable future.

Cleantech's Bright Future and Your Role in It

Feeling excited about the opportunities for Cleantech in Western Canada? No wonder – with a track record of thriving businesses and plenty of support to keep the future looking bright, your new career may be closer than you think.

We want to help you make it a reality, which is why Uvaro launched our 16-week Grow with Cleantech program with Boundless Accelerator, made available with support by Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills) and the Government of Canada.

This program is not just about finding a job; it's about gaining access to the tools and connections you need to enhance your skills, navigate opportunities in this fast-growing industry, and drive sustainable change and innovation, enabling you to be a part of the green revolution both within Atlantic Canada and on the international stage.

Together, we can expand the reach of Cleantech innovation and foster a greener, more sustainable future!