The University of Connecticut and the National Research Council of Canada have announced plans to collaborate on a number of clean energy technology-focused initiatives that will bring together two leading fuel cell research institutions.
The University of Connecticut’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2) and the National Research Council of Canada’s Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining a strategic partnership intended to 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 the U.S. and Canada; and demonstrate new greenhouse gas-reducing technologies that will benefit citizens across the globe.
“We are very excited to have been selected as a strategic partner for one of the premier fuel cell research institutes in the world,” said Mun Y. Choi, dean of the UConn School of Engineering. “Through this partnership, we’ll leverage the world-class capabilities in C2E2 and NRC-IFCI for advanced materials, fuel processing, catalysis, energy conversion, and carbon sequestration. Together, we will forge innovative research programs on low- and high-temperature fuel cells that will strengthen our collaborations with industry partners in the U.S. and Canada.”
The partnership will be overseen by a committee that will provide direction and oversight of joint research ventures, including the development of more efficient fuel cell technologies, cleaner sources of hydrogen and other alternative fuels, battery technologies, and carbon capture and sequestration.
“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 representatives from both the United States and Canada.
