University of Alberta receives support to develop and promote clean technology
EDMONTON, Jan. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - One of Canada's leading research post-secondary institutions, the University of Alberta, is receiving combined investments of almost $3.3 million towards three projects that support the development and commercialization of clean technologies and products.
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.
The investments announced today build upon Alberta's diverse and growing clean technology sector, stimulating economic growth and advancing Canada's environmental objectives. The three projects will support new bioproducts derived from fermentation with clean technology applications, optimize traffic flow to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve microgrid energy storage systems including solar and wind power.
Quick Facts
- Bioproducts require less energy during production and produce fewer greenhouse gases. Examples include biodegradable plastic, probiotics and fertilizer.
- Connected vehicle technology enables communication among vehicles, and between vehicles and the roadside.
- Microgrids are small-scale power systems that can provide energy to remote communities without being connected to a main electrical grid.
Quotes
"Investments like ones we are celebrating today are key to Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy. Clean tech innovation in microgrid systems, connected vehicle technology and bioproduct innovation are especially important as it helps us create more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions."
- The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods
"This contribution from Western Economic Diversification Canada will promote the growth of Alberta's budding natural health products industry and take development of these new products to the next level."
- Dr. Heather Bruce, Associate Professor, Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta
"A transportation revolution is underway that will be as disruptive as the invention of the first automobile. New technology allows us to travel in greater safety, deliver goods and people on time and even reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As roads, cars and people become connected and share information, our daily lives will improve. We are grateful for this funding—which will have a tremendous impact on people, the environment and the economy as we enter the era of smart transportation."
- Dr. Tony Qiu, Associate Professor, Transportation Engineering, University of Alberta
"The world is in the early stages of a global transition to a low-carbon economy. Energy storage is a critical component for enabling integration of Canada's vast but intermittent renewable solar and wind energy resources. A made-in-Canada solution to integrating new batteries and microgrids will help both large and small communities take advantage of low-carbon energy sources available to them.
- Dr. Jillian Buriak, Professor of Chemistry and Canada Research Chair in Nanomaterials for Energy, University of Alberta
Backgrounder
The global economy is moving toward a greener future and Canada is working to keep pace. The global campaign against climate change is an economic opportunity for Canada to create jobs and meet our climate change goals. Developing a strong clean technology industry will help support the adoption of alternative technologies and create well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.
The Western Diversification Program (WDP) is the main program through which Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) makes strategic investments in initiatives with not-for-profit organizations that enhance and strengthen the economy of Western Canada.
Today's announcement is for three WDP clean technology projects at the University of Alberta:
| Project Proponent |
Project Description |
Western Diversification Program Funding |
| University of Alberta
Agri-Food Discovery Place (AFDP) |
Invest in a 1500 litre fermenter and upgrade utilities to expand the capabilities of the Agri-Food Discovery Place (AFDP). The project will enable small businesses to scale-up and commercialize products such as biodegradable plastic, probiotics and fertilizer. |
$1,500,000 |
| University of Alberta
ACTIVE-AURORA |
Hire 12 highly qualified people to develop and commercialize connected vehicle hardware and software applications. The project will develop and test connected vehicle (CV) technologies to optimize traffic flow and reduce vehicle emissions. |
$934,050 |
| University of Alberta
Batteries for Microgrids |
Support the development and commercialization of low cost, high capacity battery materials for microgrid-scale energy storage systems. The project will result in improved energy storage for renewables including solar and wind. |
$843,400 |
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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada
Donna Kinley, Manager, Consultation, Marketing and Communications, Western Economic Diversification Canada - Alberta Region, 780-902-2984, [email protected]; Mike Brown, Media Specialist, Writer, University of Alberta, 780-492-9407, [email protected]
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