UOIT applauds provincial budget's $3 million investment to expand innovative hydrogen technology research on campus
March 23, 2007
University is working towards lower-cost solution for large-scale production
OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT) work towards finding a lower-cost solution to the large-scale production of hydrogen, a clean energy solution with vast potential for the environment, took a big step forward yesterday with the provincial budget's welcome announcement that $3 million is being invested to expand UOIT's innovative hydrogen technology research.
Provincial Finance Minister Greg Sorbara's announcement was applauded by UOIT, which can now further its extensive research work into finding a lower-cost method for mass hydrogen production. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is a clean energy carrier, since its oxidation does not emit greenhouse gases.
"We are extremely pleased the Honourable Greg Sorbara has placed this trust and recognition in UOIT as a research-intensive university and thank him for providing much needed funding to further our research work, which holds so much potential for our global future," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "The preservation of the environment and finding viable, long-term solutions are chief among the concerns of most Canadians. Finding a solution to the mass production of hydrogen holds the potential to greatly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases."
UOIT has established itself as a leader in the research of hydrogen production, including leading a 23-member team of researchers in Canada and abroad that is developing a new method of producing hydrogen with a copper-chlorine cycle that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The project is in collaboration with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and Argonne National Laboratory, and includes multiple faculties at UOIT and other universities.
UOIT is also pleased to be sharing in the $210 million in funding announced in yesterday's budget to help alleviate immediate cost pressures at universities. These are one-time funds and come from Ontario's portion of the Postsecondary Education Infrastructure Trust announced in federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's 2006 budget.
"We are greatly encouraged by the measures introduced in this budget and the opportunities they will create for UOIT students," said Dr. Bordessa. "They also demonstrate Premier Dalton McGuinty's commitment to his Reaching Higher Plan and ensuring a vibrant postsecondary education system now and in the years to come."
In addition, UOIT also welcomed the news that $400,000 has been earmarked in the provincial budget for the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA), a non-profit organization comprised of business, government and educational institutions, including UOIT. UOIT is leading energy research and development opportunities as the DSEA works to address the challenges facing Ontario and Canada as an active participant in the global quest for clean, affordable energy solutions.
Other postsecondary budget highlights include:
About UOIT
As the province's newest university, UOIT 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 five Canada Research Chairs. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 4,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT) work towards finding a lower-cost solution to the large-scale production of hydrogen, a clean energy solution with vast potential for the environment, took a big step forward yesterday with the provincial budget's welcome announcement that $3 million is being invested to expand UOIT's innovative hydrogen technology research.
Provincial Finance Minister Greg Sorbara's announcement was applauded by UOIT, which can now further its extensive research work into finding a lower-cost method for mass hydrogen production. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is a clean energy carrier, since its oxidation does not emit greenhouse gases.
"We are extremely pleased the Honourable Greg Sorbara has placed this trust and recognition in UOIT as a research-intensive university and thank him for providing much needed funding to further our research work, which holds so much potential for our global future," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "The preservation of the environment and finding viable, long-term solutions are chief among the concerns of most Canadians. Finding a solution to the mass production of hydrogen holds the potential to greatly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases."
UOIT has established itself as a leader in the research of hydrogen production, including leading a 23-member team of researchers in Canada and abroad that is developing a new method of producing hydrogen with a copper-chlorine cycle that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The project is in collaboration with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and Argonne National Laboratory, and includes multiple faculties at UOIT and other universities.
UOIT is also pleased to be sharing in the $210 million in funding announced in yesterday's budget to help alleviate immediate cost pressures at universities. These are one-time funds and come from Ontario's portion of the Postsecondary Education Infrastructure Trust announced in federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's 2006 budget.
"We are greatly encouraged by the measures introduced in this budget and the opportunities they will create for UOIT students," said Dr. Bordessa. "They also demonstrate Premier Dalton McGuinty's commitment to his Reaching Higher Plan and ensuring a vibrant postsecondary education system now and in the years to come."
In addition, UOIT also welcomed the news that $400,000 has been earmarked in the provincial budget for the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA), a non-profit organization comprised of business, government and educational institutions, including UOIT. UOIT is leading energy research and development opportunities as the DSEA works to address the challenges facing Ontario and Canada as an active participant in the global quest for clean, affordable energy solutions.
Other postsecondary budget highlights include:
- $15 million for university capital projects;
- $15 million to the Ontario Centres of Excellence for low-carbon energy technologies, including alternative fuels such as hydrogen; and
- $18 million for the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, which is strengthening Ontario's and Canada's reputations for collaborative international research.
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About UOIT
As the province's newest university, UOIT 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 five Canada Research Chairs. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 4,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
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
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@uoit.ca
