Growing global energy concerns ignite national energy challenge

Canada's leading energy expert's call for action to implement sustainable solutions

OSHAWA, Ont. - Canada's most influential energy experts and industry leaders join forces today at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) for the Canadian Energy Challenge Workshop: An Engineering Perspective.

Sponsored by the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the one-day workshop is aimed at igniting discussion on the country's major energy issues that will lead to real and long-term solutions.

"We must respond to growing global energy concerns now so that we don't allow future generations to face a crisis with fewer resources and less time than we have today," said Dr. Richard Marceau, provost at UOIT and chair of the National and International Issues Committee.

With input on energy related issues in Canada, leading energy experts will recommend key energy policy orientations and identify industry and government initiatives to ensure a strong energy future. The Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Energy and honorary chair of the workshop will deliver the keynote address at lunchtime.

"The energy industry, particularly the petroleum industry, is immensely important to the continued economic well-being of this country. But maintaining and enhancing our position in the club of world energy leaders is not without its challenges," says Kathleen Sendall, president of the Canadian Engineering Academy and senior vice-president of North American Natural Gas for Petro-Canada.

Maintaining supply and demand on all energy fronts is becoming an increasing issue. According to the International Energy Agency, world energy demand is expected to expand by more than 25 percent between now and 2015 and 50 percent between now and 2030, creating an estimated 200 million new customers for commercial energy each year.

New energy technologies are being developed to address rising needs; yet major barriers such as cost and lack of infrastructure are preventing these from reaching industry, and eventually consumers.

"With new and vital energy technologies being developed in labs at Canadian universities such as ours, we must work with industry and all levels of government to forge a path towards commercialization," added Dr. Marceau.

The workshop focuses on discussion in four key areas:

• A look at the Global Energy Perspective, presented by Murray Stewart, president, and Oskar Sigvalson, past chair, Energy Council of Canada;
• The Canadian Energy Context, presented by Angus Bruneau, chairman, Fortis Inc.;
• The latest in Energy Technology, presented by Bob Griesbach, project manager, Canadian Academy of Engineering Energy Pathways Study; and
• Energy Policy Implications - health, environmental and economic, presented by John Lowe, director, Energy Policy Framework, Natural Resources Canada.

Dr. Robert Mansell, managing director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy will summarize the consensus and outcomes reached by participants to create a policy paper on the action needed to ensure Canada's strong energy future.

---

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
heather.middleton@uoit.ca