September 9, 2010 — Vancouver, British Columbia
The National Research Council of Canada and the University of Connecticut have announced plans to collaborate on a number of clean energy technology-focused initiatives that will bring together two world renowned fuel cell research institutions.
The National Research Council of Canada’s Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI), based in Vancouver, and the University of Connecticut’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining a strategic partnership that will serve several shared purposes. The intent of the partnership is to develop collaborative, multidisciplinary research activities in clean energy technologies; support clean energy dialogue between Canada and the U.S.; and demonstrate new greenhouse gas-reducing technologies that will benefit citizens across the globe.
Among the research initiatives agreed to by the parties are the development of more efficient fuel cell technologies, cleaner sources of hydrogen and other alternative fuels, battery technologies, and carbon capture and sequestration. The partnership will be overseen by a Cooperation Committee that will provide direction and oversight of joint research ventures. “This MOU will strengthen linkages between clean energy technology clusters in Canada and the U.S.,” said NRC-IFCI Director General Maja Veljkovic. “Our partnership with UConn will help align our world-class research capacity for greater impact in areas of complementary technology advantage.
While both institutions will benefit from this research partnership, it also has bilateral and global political implications. The agreement creates an environment in which issues of emissions reduction and energy sustainability can be discussed openly between Canadian and U.S. representatives.
About the NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation
Canada's National Research Council (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology, and was recently ranked among the Top 10 government organizations and NGOs for scientific output in fuel-cell research in the world. The NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI) supports Canadian leadership in fuel cell and clean energy technology by addressing industry-defined R&D and commercialization priorities.
About the University of Connecticut Center for Clean Energy Engineering
Perennially ranked the top public university in New England, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is among the best public institutions in the United States. At UConn, the Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2), founded in 2001 initially to develop advanced fuel cell technologies, today focuses on multidisciplinary research, education and outreach to answer emerging global energy and environmental challenges with sustainable, diversified solutions.
