UOIT hosts first Fuel Cell Research meeting to develop more efficient and cost-effective technologies

OSHAWA, Ont. - Have record gas prices, threatening blackouts and a layer of thick smog hovering over southern Ontario got you sweating this summer? Leading researchers at Ontario universities, including the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), are working hard to help you breathe a little easier.

With the critical need to develop new fuel cell technologies to help reduce oil and electricity demand, as well as reduce air pollution, leading academics and industry experts recently formed the Ontario Fuel Cell Research Network (OFCRN). UOIT plays host to the group's first meeting today, with the goal of establishing Ontario as Canada's leader in fuel cell research.

The network consists of researchers from various faculties at nearly a dozen Ontario universities who are involved in fuel cell research at the unit cell and stack level. "In the future, this will also include broader aspects of fuel cells such as hydrogen production and storage, drive trains for automotive applications, or systems design," notes Dr. Peter Berg, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science at UOIT and member of the OFCRN Executive Committee.

In addition to creating a database of Ontario fuel cell research, the network provides a new vehicle for fuel cell funding. "With our current state of supply and demand driving energy consumption to unsustainable heights, we must forge strong partnerships with industry experts to bring new fuel cell technologies to market which are both highly efficient and cost effective," adds Berg. "Since fuel cell technology is arguably at the crossroads with respect to commercialization, this initiative will be a crucial tool for Ontario's leadership in the field."

-30-

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including a Tier 1 Research Chair. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 1,800 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Peter Berg, or for more information, please contact:

Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@dc-uoit.ca