MaRS and Ontario Partner to Create a Clean Energy Institute

Expanding clean energy economy, creating new business opportunities

Toronto, June 8, 2012 – A new clean energy institute is being planned for Ontario through a partnership with MaRS. This is part of Ontario’s Clean Energy Economic Development Strategy, which will create even more new jobs in the clean energy sector.

The Institute would bring together cleantech leaders, utilities and the academic community. Together they would support domestic and international business opportunities for Ontario’s smart grid technologies and other clean energy innovations. Today, more than 200 clean energy experts came together at the MaRS Future of Energy Summit to exchange ideas to build on Ontario’s clean energy leadership – through opportunities and partnerships to export Ontario’s expertise to the world and create jobs.

Quotes

“This is an exciting time for Ontario. We have worked hard to create clean energy jobs and a strong manufacturing base in this sector. The Clean Energy Institute will help us find new ways to expand on our progress. In addition, our efforts to build a smarter grid and a clean energy economy will ensure that we have the electricity we need to power our homes, schools, hospitals and our economy – leading to cleaner air, a stronger economy and a better future for our children and grandchildren.” – Chris Bentley, Minister of Energy

“The economic opportunity for Ontario companies in cleantech and clean energy is enormous. This is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world and Ontario is at the heart of its development, and that’s why we are seizing this great opportunity.” — Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

“MaRS is pleased to work in partnership with the government of Ontario to maximize the economic opportunity that the global clean energy industry represents for this province. Global investment in clean energy projects is expected to mobilize nearly $7 trillion of new capital over the next 20 years. By combining Ontario’s robust energy innovation pipeline with the collaborative efforts of public and private industry stakeholders, I believe this province is on track to become a leading exporter of the next generation of energy technologies.” – Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District

Quick Facts

  • An Innovation Showcase featuring video exhibits and equipment from Ontario energy innovators is on display in the MaRS Atrium until June 13.
  • In partnership with MaRS, the government is developing a comprehensive plan for the Clean Energy Institute.
  • The Summit focused on five themes: Using the power of clean energy data; designing the grid of the future; combining different energy sources and uses; examining emerging energy generation and storage technologies; and supporting the commercialization of new energy technology.
  • More than 4.7 million smart meters are helping Ontario’s electric utilities pinpoint and respond more quickly to power outages. The Smart Grid Fund opened for proposals last spring to help demonstrate and commercialize the next generation of smart grid solutions and drive job creation in the sector.

Learn More

Read Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan
Learn more about renewable energy in Ontario
Learn more about the Smart Grid fund Recipients

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (Twitter: @MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto. MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies.

For more information, contact:
Chris Stevenson
Director, Communications
(416) 673-8104
cstevenson@marsdd.com