EDMONTON, AB (February 13, 2025): NGIF Accelerator is proud to announce the successful completion of the “Advanced Dual-Fuel System Commercial Demonstration” project by Innovative Fuel Systems (IFS). Launched with a grant funding of $150,000 through NGIF Accelerator’s Industry Grants program in 2021, the project has successfully validated IFS’ dual-fuel technology, paving the way for cleaner operations in the transportation and natural gas industries in Canada and beyond.
IFS, an Edmonton-based company, has developed a novel aftermarket conversion system capable of transforming heavy-duty diesel engines into dual-fuel engines that blend natural gas with diesel fuel. This technology allows fleet operators to displace up to 50% of diesel fuel with natural gas, yielding significant fuel cost savings of up to 30% and reducing emissions by more than 9% (increased to 13% since the completion of the project).
Image: IFS’ Multi Fuel Technology Platform (MFTPTM)
“This project showcases the potential of natural gas as a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel in the transportation and stationary equipment industry. By supporting IFS, we are saving costs for fleet operators and reducing emissions,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “Our Industry Grants program and its focus on de-risking clean technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and technology commercialization.”
The project successfully deployed and validated the dual fuel technology over an intensive 22-month testing period with a large Alberta-based heavy-duty fleet. The results of this project have been promising, achieving Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of 7 to 9, indicating advancements from prototype to commercial viability.
Key Project Highlights:
- Achieved an average diesel fuel displacement close to 50% with no operational issues reported.
- Demonstrated dual fuel performance equivalent to that of traditional diesel-only engines.
- Recorded over 9% reduction in emissions during commercial runs.
- Received a $1 million purchase order from KAG, the largest bulk hauler in North America, demonstrating market confidence in the technology.
Looking ahead, IFS has engaged in a strong commercialization strategy, projecting $11.8 million in proposed orders through the NRCan Green Freight program and exploring collaboration opportunities with Enbridge Gas in Ontario.
“NGIF Accelerator’s support was instrumental in validating our technology and facilitating its real-world demonstration across a large fleet of heavy-duty trucks in Alberta,” said Leland Oberst, President and CEO, Innovative Fuel Systems. “Their partnership helped in advancing the commercial readiness of our patented MFTP technology and showcasing our commitment to lower-emission transportation solutions. Together, we are redefining fuel efficiency and environmental performance in the HD trucking industry.”
“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable, and low emission energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support cleantech development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support innovations like IFS’ dual-fuel system technology,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners
About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is industry-led and offers non-dilutive grants to fund early-stage startups for technology development and field demonstration. The program specifically de-risks pre-commercial technology solutions that have the potential to increase the environmental performance of the natural gas sector. Each project in the program will accelerate technology readiness level progressions through controlled pilot testing and field trials to advance commercialization.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and administers the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre program.
About Innovative Fuel Systems
Innovative Fuel Systems (IFS) Ltd. is a privately held Canadian company which designs, develops, installs and services alternative fuel systems that allows diesel engines to utilize alternative fuels – like natural gas and hydrogen – in a dual or multi fuel capacity. IFS provides proprietary technology for heavy duty trucks, with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and significant fuel savings.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Media Information:
Ayoola Ajibare
Communications Coordinator, NGIF Capital Corporation
(403)-389-2212
aajibare@ngif.ca
