B.C.’s $1B battery plant, with federal support, put on hold by Taiwan firm

In a surprising turn of events, the $1-billion lithium-ion battery cell production plant planned for Maple Ridge, B.C. has been put on hold by Taiwan Cement Corp., the parent company behind the project. Construction was stopped in order to focus on Taiwanese production, following a trend of other battery makers suspending similar projects across North America.

The decision to halt the B.C. plant comes after much anticipation and government funding commitments from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier David Eby. The B.C. government had promised $80 million towards the facility, while the federal government pledged $204.5 million as part of Ottawa’s strategy to secure key battery manufacturing facilities.

Although none of Ottawa’s pledged funds had been dispersed, the Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s office has been in communication with the company about the situation. Despite the setback, the existing research and development operations at the Maple Ridge site for material and cell-chemistry development will continue.

E-One Moli, the company behind the project, has had an existing facility in Maple Ridge since 1990. The expansion of the plant was expected to create 350 new permanent jobs and safeguard the 100 positions currently at the site. However, with the suspension of the project, the future of these job opportunities remains uncertain.

The company representatives in both B.C. and in Taiwan have not commented on the development, leaving many stakeholders eager for more information. As the situation unfolds, it is evident that the focus for Taiwan Cement Corp. is on maximizing efficiency at their Taiwanese facility before considering new international ventures.

It is clear that the decision to shelve the Maple Ridge plant has implications for the local economy and the broader Canadian battery manufacturing industry. With government support on the line and job creation potential in question, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding this significant project.

As industry dynamics continue to shift, it is crucial for companies like Taiwan Cement Corp. to adapt and prioritize their operations effectively. The future of the lithium-ion battery production plant in Maple Ridge remains uncertain, but its impacts will be felt across the region and the country.

©2024 The Canadian Press

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Three teams asked to put forward bids for ECWE stations, rail, and systems contract

Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project in Toronto. Three prequalified teams have been selected to respond to the RFP, with each team comprised of various design and construction experts.

The project will be delivered using a progressive design-build delivery model, with the SRS package including the design and construction of stations, emergency exit buildings, track and signals, communications systems, ventilation, and other support systems. Additionally, utility work and road modifications along Eglinton Avenue West will be completed, along with changes at Mount Dennis Station to connect to future Eglinton Crosstown LRT service.

The three prequalified teams include Integrated Transit Partners, Trillium Rail Partners, and WestEx Transit Solutions. Each team has a unique set of applicant leads, design team members, and construction team members, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the project.

Teams will now begin preparing proposals detailing how they will deliver the work, with IO and Metrolinx evaluating the submissions. Once a team is selected, they will sign a Development and Master Construction Agreement to start working with Metrolinx through the development phase. This phase is expected to begin in summer 2025, with the potential for a contract to be signed once the development phase is completed.

Overall, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project is progressing towards its next phase with the selection of prequalified teams and the issuance of the RFP. This project is a significant infrastructural development that will enhance public transportation in Toronto and benefit the community at large.

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