UOIT awarded Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Advanced Energy Systems

OSHAWA, Ont.- The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has been recognized for its innovative research in the area of energy and hydrogen production technology with today's announcement of a $1.5-million Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Advanced Energy Systems. The chair will work to develop new ways of improving energy generation and utilization, such as recovery of waste heat for hydrogen production and new energy sources powered by nanotechnology.

Dr. Greg Naterer, a professor with the UOIT Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, has been awarded the prestigious position, which will support and complement his current research efforts, including hydrogen production. The Canada Research Chairs program will provide $1.4 million in funding to Dr. Naterer over a seven-year period. In addition, $125,000 has been awarded from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to be used for the infrastructure of an experimental facility for advanced energy systems.

"I was extremely pleased to receive confirmation of the chair and am eagerly looking forward to working together with our dynamic and talented team, comprised of UOIT researchers and partners, to develop cleaner energy systems, including the role of hydrogen," said Dr. Naterer, who is also director of Research, Graduate Studies and Development with the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. "This chair will continue to position UOIT at the forefront of groundbreaking research in hydrogen, which holds great potential for society as a clean energy carrier."

Through this chair, Dr. Naterer will continue to work with a team of 23 award-winning faculty and world renowned researchers to lead a hydrogen initiative that includes various universities across Ontario, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the Argonne National Laboratory in the U.S., and other international partners to develop the world's first lab-scale demonstration of a copper-chlorine production cycle. The cycle produces hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through intermediate copper and chlorine compounds at relatively low temperatures, thus not requiring burning of fossil fuels.

In addition, his research team is developing a new type of micro or nano engine, which uses nanotechnology to convert heat to electricity in microchannels. The patented new microdevice can be used to recover heat and extend battery life in automotive, computer, mobile device and other applications.

Additionally, Dr. Naterer, in collaboration with Markham-based company Marnoch Thermal Power, is developing a renewable energy system that absorbs ground heat or any other industrial waste heat to produce electricity for a home or industry.

"This announcement arrives at an opportune time as it reinforces the work of Dr. Naterer and his research team while promoting and further strengthening UOIT's sustainable hydrogen research initiative," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, associate provost, Research at UOIT. "Through their extensive research efforts in this area, Dr. Naterer and other leaders in the field of energy research are clearly poised to advance the role of hydrogen in our province's energy solution mix."

The Canada Research Chairs program is designed to help attract and retain the world's most accomplished and promising minds. Chairholders advance the frontiers of knowledge in their fields, not only through their own work, but also by teaching and supervising students and co-ordinating the work of other researchers.

"Building a larger base of scientific expertise and enhancing Canada's international reputation for research excellence are key elements of Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, our government's new Science and Technology Strategy," said the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canada Research Chairs program. "Our government recognizes the importance of doing more to help transform and commercialize scientific and technological innovations. This in turn will help create better jobs, increase economic growth and improve our quality of life."

UOIT has developed a national reputation in the field of hydrogen research. Working towards finding a lower-cost sustainable solution for the large-scale production of hydrogen is essential in eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing the effect of global warming and delivering an overall healthier environment.

The announcement comes days before the Critical Energy Choices Conference 2007, where Dr. Naterer will be presenting his talk Delivering on the Hydrogen Promise: Ontario and the Canadian Advantage. This conference will be held on September 18 at the MaRS Collaboration Centre in Toronto. More details are available at www.uoit.ca.

Dr. Naterer received his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in 1995. He has published over 160 journal and conference articles and two textbooks in the field of energy systems design and heat transfer. His exemplary work has earned him numerous honours and awards, including the most recently announced UOIT Research Excellence Award.

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About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 5,000 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Ontario Tech University
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Media contact
Tony Doyle
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Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@uoit.ca