News Release

For Immediate Release
November 17, 2009

Clean Energy Research Bringing Jobs And Innovation To Ontario

McGuinty Government’s Infrastructure Support Boosts Province’s Knowledge Economy

NEWS

Ontario is supporting world-class clean energy research projects to help spark new, renewable energy options and clean power for families and create high-value jobs in Hamilton.

In total, the province is investing $33 million at McMaster University to support more than 300 researchers. Some of the researchers who are receiving funding are:

Dr. Rafael Kleiman, who is moving beyond current technology to produce a new generation of advanced solar cells that capture and convert much more of the sun’s rays. If successful, his research will not only provide solutions to meet the province’s growing energy needs, but solutions that Ontario can export to the world.

Dr. John Luxat, who is leading the new Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems at McMaster University. The centre will be a global hub for developing safer, more dependable clean energy applications from nuclear power. As well, the new centre will possess state-of-the-art infrastructure for testing new medical isotopes that could be used in early disease diagnosis and cancer treatment.

Funding world-class research is part of the Ontario Innovation Agenda — the McGuinty government’s plan to build an innovation economy that turns new knowledge into new jobs, better health care, a cleaner environment and endless possibilities for Ontario families.

QUOTES

“In the 21st century, economic stimulus must create jobs today and tomorrow — it must be both shovels in the ground, and support for innovative people and innovative thinking. Today’s funding is part of a larger investment in research infrastructure that will support 1,300 construction jobs and over 3,300 scientists across our province. Today we are demonstrating, once again, that our government understands the value of science in creating the jobs of the future.”
— John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation

 “Our world-class researchers here in Hamilton need world-class research infrastructure and access to the most advanced equipment to make the breakthroughs of tomorrow in areas like renewable energy and clean technologies. The result is innovation, new jobs, a stronger economy, and a higher quality of life for people all across Ontario.”
— Ted McMeekin, Minister of Consumer Services and MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale

“The global photovoltaic market – technologies used to convert sunlight into electricity – is estimated to reach $32 billion by 2012. I’m convinced that we can capture much more of the sun’s power to provide affordable electricity for all the world’s needs, and the province is helping us realize that bold vision.”
— Dr. Rafael Kleiman, Director, Centre for Emerging Device Technologies

QUICK FACTS

• In total, the province is investing $33 million at McMaster University to support more than 300 researchers.
• Canada's largest solar farm is now producing power in the township of Stone Mills, Ontario – near Napanee – paving the way for Ontario to become a solar power leader in North America. 
• The government has invested more than $600 million in research projects and companies working on green technologies and initiatives since 2003.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about the Ontario Research Fund–Research Infrastructure Program.

Learn about the Ontario Innovation Agenda.

---

See also:

• Backgrounder: Projects Funded In Hamilton