Leading energy experts mobilize minds with critical discussion of Ontario's energy choices

OSHAWA, Ont. - Business, government and academia leaders from across the Province are gathered at the Critical Energy Choices Conference 2007 in Toronto today to discuss the future of Ontario's economic and energy requirements and to debate the need to find a significant role in that mix for hydrogen, the 'perfect fuel.'

The conference arrives at a critical time as the Province continues to look for the best options for new generation sources and an environmentally friendly mix that will meet Ontario's growing energy needs in the foreseeable future. Large-scale production of hydrogen is critical to the successful transformation from a fossil fuel-based economy to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

"The hydrogen economy is not coming; it's already here in many industries," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, UOIT's associate provost, Research, and one of seven keynote speakers at today's conference. "Nearly seven billion tonnes of carbon-based fossil fuels are burned yearly, releasing greenhouse gases that lead to all kinds of health-related problems, not to mention global warming. We need to find a practical solution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. For some of us, the answer is in getting away from a fossil-fuel based economy to a hydrogen-based economy. Hydrogen, like electricity, is a 'currency' that is exchanged between systems. Unlike electricity, it can be stored during times of non-peak demand for usage at a later time. This will clearly ensure a sustainable lifestyle and clean environment for future generations."

Among the key people sharing their expertise today are Jane Allen, partner, national leader, Power and Utilities, Deloitte Inc.; professors Dr. Peter Berg, and Dr. Greg Naterer from UOIT; Dr. Angus Bruneau, founder, Fortis Inc. and a member of the Federal round table on sustainable energy; Sean Conway, special advisor to the principal on External Relations, and founder of the School of Policy Studies at Queen's University; Matthew Fairlie, principal, Fairfield Group Inc.; Dr. Sermet Kuran, director, Advanced Technology Development, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL); Jaimie Levin, director of Alternative Fuels Policy and Marketing, AC Transit; and Dr. Brant Peppley, director of the Queen's-RMC Fuel Cell Research Centre.

Topics of discussion include Canadian Energy Landscape; Technology Challenge: Critical Choices; Nuclear Renaissance: Producing Today's Energy - and Tomorrow's Hydrogen; Sustainable Transport in California - A Model for North America?; The Economic Imperative: From the Hydrocarbon Economy to the Hydrogen Economy; Mobilizing Minds: Fueling Ontario's Energy Future - Act Now; and Hydrogen Infrastructure: Production, Distribution and Usage in a Hydrogen-Fuelled World.

"Hosting this conference is extremely important to UOIT as the opportunity to bring these experts together is an important step in furthering the need for meaningful discussion on a topic that holds great global importance," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, UOIT's president. "It provides us with a unique opportunity to stand united on important issues such as our future energy supply, provide valuable insight into the critical state of our environment and encourage our government to realize the possibilities hydrogen can deliver both environmentally and economically for our future."

UOIT has developed a national reputation for hydrogen research, including receiving $3 million in the 2007 provincial budget to advance its work in this field. 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.

Playing a lead role in UOIT's hydrogen research work is Dr. Naterer, who was recently awarded a 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 in the recovery of waste heat for hydrogen production and new energy sources powered by nanotechnology.

"Hydrogen will greatly benefit Ontario's energy security and the environment because it can be produced and used in ways that have minimal impact on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions," said Dr. Naterer. "Hydrogen will also benefit economic growth in Ontario through job growth, investment opportunities and a sustainable, secure energy supply. Over 50 million tons per year of hydrogen are needed worldwide by industries such as petrochemical (oil sands in Alberta), agricultural (fertilizers), automotive and many others. We are also examining applications of hydrogen to stationary power generation and a hydrogen train. Sustainable hydrogen production in Ontario would bring major economic opportunities in a $282-billion world market for hydrogen, which is expected to grow by 20 per cent a year by 2010 and 40 per cent a year by 2020."

Dr. Naterer is discussing Delivering on the Hydrogen Promise: Ontario and the Canadian Advantage at today's conference.

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
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
Michelle Good
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2197
michelle.good@uoit.ca