Power Workers’ Union fuels university research

The Power Workers’ Union (PWU) is helping to energize smart grid and electric vehicle research at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Their recent donation will help to support the construction of the university’s new Software and Informatics Research Centre (SIRC) and reward Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) students for academic excellence.

The PWU represents 16,000 workers across Ontario’s energy sector. Its members recognize the importance of being engaged in their communities and supporting organizations that are committed to health and safety, environmental advocacy, youth and education.

At a special reception at the university, President Tim McTiernan thanked PWU President-elect Mel Hyatt and union representatives for their significant donation and, in recognition, unveiled a plaque naming the Power Workers’ Union Smart Grid and Electric Vehicle Research Laboratory. Under the direction of Vijay Sood, PhD, Associate Professor, FEAS, this laboratory houses research focusing on the integration of renewable energy and automation into smart grid power, including the batteries of electric vehicles and other energy storage devices.

Electrical Engineering master’s degree student Mohammed Yasin Ali also presented PWU representatives with a special token of gratitude signed by FEAS students for establishing the Power Workers’ Union Transportation Electrification and Smart Grid Awards. The annual awards will provide two $5,000 undergraduate and three $5,000 graduate scholarships to students studying Electrical Engineering. 

Quotes

“The Power Workers’ Union’s generous contribution helps our students advance research and innovation, and strengthens our community as a whole. Its investment elevates the university as a destination for energy research and education, and accelerates economic growth both in Durham Region and across our province.”

-Tim McTiernan, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“The partnership that we have formed with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology is an example of progress toward achieving our larger collective goals. In helping to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative electric transportation technologies, we will need to take ideas from the concept stage to prototype to practical, widely-used everyday transportation technologies.”

-Mel Hyatt, President-elect, Power Workers’ Union

“I consider myself very lucky and am thankful for the Power Workers’ Union’s support of our lab and our research. Thanks to PWU’s generous donation, the university will continue to be a leader in clean energy utilization for many years to come.

-Mohammed Yasin Ali, master’s student, Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

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