The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Natural Resources, has announced support for two Canadian technologies with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions internationally.

The Government of Canada will contribute $3.6 million, through the Climate Change Technology Early Action Measures (TEAM) program, to a group of Canadian companies that is developing and demonstrating natural gas vehicles in India. In addition, a $150,000 feasibility study will bring Canadian technology developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) that burns methane from ventilation air in underground coal mines one step closer to the market.

"Canada is committed to reducing greenhouse gases at home and around the world," said Minister McCallum. "These technologies have the potential to reduce emissions on an international scale, as well as create market opportunities for Canadian companies."

The Natural Gas Vehicle Flagship Project for Mumbai, India, is led by Advanced Technologies and Fuels Canada. It leads a consortium of companies that will deploy innovative technologies from Canadian manufacturers and use an accounting model to determine the levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions. It will also continue to collect data to verify these levels throughout the project, scheduled to end in 2008.

In addition to helping the Indian government in its efforts to improve urban air quality, the project will address market barriers, create local jobs and further stimulate the market for Canadian companies and technologies in India. The project will also examine the potential to earn greenhouse gas emissions reduction credits if more natural gas vehicles are used in India.

The feasibility study on capturing methane from coal mining will determine the best international site for testing the technology, which was developed by NRCan's CANMET Energy Technology Centre in Varennes, Quebec. The technology, called CH4MIN, burns methane from ventilation air in underground coal mines and converts it into heat which can be used to generate clean power.

Methane is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, and this technology has significant potential to reduce emissions from coal mining. The technology has potential application in a number of countries, including China and several eastern European countries. It has been successfully tested in the Varennes lab, and the feasibility study will look at a number of factors to determine the best site for a commercial pilot project.

These initiatives also contribute to Canada's efforts to transfer technology to developing countries, as called for under the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Government of Canada's actions on climate change are a component of Project Green. The policies and programs under Project Green address environmental initiatives for the 21st century, including measures to conserve our biodiversity, protect our water, clean up contaminated sites, and ensure cleaner and healthier air. Through Project Green, Canada can set an international example by developing effective model solutions for the long-term health of the planet.

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