Last week,
Ryerson University announced the
Centre for Urban Energy (CUE), which university President Sheldon Levy called one of his schools "most significant
research and commercialization initiatives." The centre will be a research and demonstration centre for sustainable, innovative technologies to provide for cities' energy needs.
The CUE will bring together academics and industry professionals from various disciplines to study problems and attempt to commercialize solutions. "The Centre for Urban Energy will be anchored by the Faculty of
Engineering, Architecture and Science but will be a university-wide
Centre drawing on a variety of experts across many academic
disciplines," said
Alan Shepard, Ryerson's provost and VP
Academic. "We will also be reaching out and collaborating with other
academic institutions in Ontario, across
Canada and around the world."
The areas of focus for the centre almost all deal with sustainability, including areas such as reducing carbon footprints, alternative fuel sources, hybrid and electric vehicles and conservation. Initial funding for the project totalling $7 million is being provided by Toronto Hydro, Hydro One and the Ontario Power Authority.
"We're proud to partner with Ryerson on this unique initiative to
forward the agenda for the next generation of electricity research and
technologies in
Toronto," said
Anthony Haines, President and CEO of
Toronto Hydro.
Colin Andersen, CEO of the Ontario
Power Authority, said that the research is key to both the enviromental and industrial future of the province. "Innovation is how Ontario will remain a leader in
conservation and clean energy, helping to provide Ontarians with cleaner
air, high quality jobs and a vibrant economy," he said. "We know that visionary
new energy technologies will play a significant role in our success, and
the Centre for Urban Energy will help deliver them."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Suelan Toye, Ryerson University