Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, Ontario Ministry of Energy and Electrification, gave a keynote address at the Hydrogen Business Council of Canada conference held at Ontario Tech University.
As Canada continues to support international efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions, Ontario Tech University has established itself as a research leader in clean, reliable and sustainable energy. The country's energy and environmental future is a strategic priority for the university, as it focuses on developing new options for low-cost renewable energy sources like hydrogen.
On October 17 and 18, Ontario Tech hosted the Hydrogen Business Council of Canada (HBC) annual conference, whose theme was the Canadian Hydrogen Economy in Action. More than 200 industry leaders and researchers discussed the growing potential of hydrogen-energy technologies, Ontario Tech's strategic contributions as a hub for clean energy innovation, and Canada's path toward net-zero emissions.
Delegates explore the university's hydrogen technology research infrastructure
Ontario Tech's Hydrogen Commercialization and Demonstration Centre (HCDC) was a conference highlight. The HCDC, a joint initiative of the ACE Core Research Facility's Climatic Wind Tunnel and the Clean Energy Research Lab (CERL) at Ontario Tech, provides industry partners with comprehensive support for hydrogen prototype development, ranging from manufacturing to academic collaboration. HCDC played a crucial role in the recent development of Project Arrow, Canada's first all-Canadian zero-emission concept vehicle, by providing vital resources for the integration of hydrogen fuel cell technology into the vehicle's power system. Ontario Tech was the lead academic institution for Project Arrow.
The HBC conference also highlighted the collaboration between Ontario Tech and Hydrocool, a Canadian CleanTech startup developing hydrogen-powered refrigeration systems. Hydrocool's work, supported by the HCDC, exemplifies how Ontario Tech is actively driving the commercialization of hydrogen energy solutions. Conference attendees were able to tour ACE facilities and witness firsthand the hydrogen innovations being developed at the university.
- Related link: Explore the energy-leadership activities being driven by Ontario Tech's Brilliant Energy Institute
Ontario Tech's commitment to creating the next generation of clean energy professionals
Ontario Tech researchers and students showcased their research on hydrogen technologies during the conference for Linda Drisdelle, HBC Chair, and Dr. Rami El-Emam, Director, Core Research Facilities and Strategic Initiatives in Ontario Tech's Office of Vice-President, Research and Innovation. These activities gave students the chance to network with top industry professionals, opening doors for their future collaborations and career opportunities in the rapidly expanding hydrogen sector.
Quotes
"Ontario Tech's leadership through the Brilliant Energy Institute and the Automotive Centre of Excellence is preparing students with the skills needed for high-paying clean energy jobs. With Ontario projected to need 75 per cent more power by 2050, hydrogen is a key part of the solution, providing both the energy we need and the opportunities for the more than 100,000 jobs this sector is expected to generate in the next 25 years. Our government is committed to supporting this growth, cementing Ontario's role as a global leader in hydrogen innovation and technology."
-Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, Ontario Ministry of Energy and Electrification
"At Ontario Tech, we cherish the wonderful partnership we have developed with the Hydrogen Business Council of Canada. Industry partnerships are foundational to the research and innovation enterprise at the university. The opportunity to have so many leaders from Canada's hydrogen sector on our campus to see our unique facilities and interact with our students is invaluable."
-Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University
"Partnering with Ontario Tech to co-host Canadian Hydrogen Economy in Action' provided a unique opportunity to bring industry, end-users and academia together to showcase hydrogen energy systems. Whether it was attending speaker presentations and panel discussions about the latest in hydrogen energy, or viewing some of the latest hydrogen-powered cars, bus and trucks, attendees received current, inspiring, and realistic information about the present and future of hydrogen energy in Canada. Ontario Tech's enthusiastic staff and students made this conference one to remember."
-Brad Chittick, PEng, President and CEO, Hydrogen Business Council of Canada
