Ontario Premier announces new Advanced Energy Centre to be based at MaRS

The Centre will promote leading Canadian innovations and solutions in the global energy market

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne today announced the creation of the Advanced Energy Centre, a partnership between the public and private sectors and MaRS Discovery District that will drive economic growth and sustainable job creation.

Uniting founding industry partners Capgemini and Siemens, as well as utility and government representatives, the Centre will work collaboratively to consolidate and extend Canada's early lead in next-generation energy technologies — such as those in the energy data and energy storage space — capturing new domestic markets and transforming these local successes into international market opportunities for Ontario.

"This Centre will help our entrepreneurs become global leaders in energy technology, while creating good jobs here in Ontario," said Premier Kathleen Wynne. "By partnering with the private sector, we are building our knowledge economy, driving innovation and keeping Ontario competitive."

The Centre will build upon innovative and cost-effective conservation initiatives such as the Ontario Green Button, a program launched by the Ministry of Energy and MaRS Discovery District that gives consumers greater visibility and control over their energy usage. The Centre will also work with its partners to assist Ontario's energy entrepreneurs and developers looking to deploy Ontario smart grid solutions globally through international partnerships.

"The transformation of energy networks and infrastructure is estimated to create a $3 trillion global market by 2020," said Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District. "I'm thrilled that MaRS will be working with entrepreneurs, government and industry stakeholders to ensure that leading Canadian innovations capture a significant share of this growing export market."

Paul Murphy, the former President and CEO of Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), has been named the founding chair of the Centre's Advisory Board.

"The co-operation of the public and private sectors is key to the success of this effort," said Murphy. "By combining our proven energy sector expertise with our disruptive innovations, the Centre will be a game-changer when it comes to exporting our energy solutions."

The announcement was made at the Canadian Energy Innovation Summit, which was convened by Premier Wynne in her capacity as the Chair of the Council of the Federation. Held at MaRS, the event brought together business, policy and government leaders from across Canada to provide input on the broader Canadian Energy Strategy being developed by the Council.

About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto. MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada's next generation of growth companies. MaRS' ventures have created over 4,000 jobs and, in the last three years alone, they have raised over $750 million in capital and earned over $375 million in revenue.

SOURCE: MaRS Discovery District

Melissa Hughes, Manager, Media & Community Relations, MaRS Discovery District, 416.673.8152, [email protected]