Reaching it’s potential: AMTA Research and Innovation Program
By Terri Johnson and Angie Rice
The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) is excited to be working towards defining a Research and Innovation Program that will support economic growth through opportunity, investment, and industry expertise while accelerating job creation.
Research and innovation within transportation has the potential to further develop sustainable, energy efficient transportation while reducing environmental impacts and inefficiencies. As part of this program development a Research and Innovation Steering Committee consisting of academic researchers, industry subject matter experts and government partners has been established to provide expert guidance and recommendations towards AMTA’s involvement in projects and initiatives. The AMTA research and innovation program will serve association members through the development, testing and commercialization of safe, intelligent, environmentally aware technologies.
The AMTA sees value in the industry opportunity that exists with intelligent transportation, eco-technology and workforce development. Connected technologies, alternative fuels, and virtual reality and simulation are areas of innovation that the AMTA is actively involved in.
As the lead applicant for the Alberta Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC), an industry-led initiative partially funded by $7.3 million from the Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) BEST Challenge, the AMTA is proud to be representing cutting-edge advancement in commercial transportation. The AZETEC project will feature the design, integration, and trialing of two class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks between Edmonton and Calgary.
The hydrogen fueling station being designed to support the operation of these vehicles will be located at the AMTA facility in Edmonton. This demonstration project serves to showcase the potential for hydrogen as an alternative fuel in transportation, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing existing Alberta resources.