VICTORIA – Canadians will benefit from an investment of more than $2.4 million at the University of Victoria (UVic) to develop alternative, clean energy.
The federal government announced $1.4 million from WD to establish the Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) at the University of Victoria. The institute, led by mechanical engineer Dr. Brad Buckham, will help develop and commercialize marine renewable energy technologies (MRE).
Marine renewable energy is generated by moving water like tides, waves and river currents. British Columbia is home to abundant coastlines, rivers and a cluster of MRE developers.
PRIMED will bring together the skills, tools and knowledge of companies, academics and coastal remote communities interested in MRE projects to provide solutions to the challenges facing the industry and to commercialize MRE technologies.
Investing in clean energy technology has the potential to change the way many Canadians consume energy. Many remote, off-grid communities in British Columbia, including Indigenous communities, rely on diesel fuel for power generation.
This method is expensive and poses threats to the environment. Developing a strong clean technology industry, with investments in MRE, will help support the adoption of alternative technologies and create well-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.
UVic will also benefit from an investment of $1 million by the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Seaspan Shipyards. The investment will support innovative teaching and hybrid electric technology research, led by Dr. Zuomin Dong in mechanical engineering, for cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Quick Facts:
- Funding of $1,498,000 will help create PRIMED’s workspace, computational service platform and delivery of services.
- Around 190 tidal power sites have been identified off Canada’s coasts with a total estimated capacity of 42,000 MW (total mean annual wave power)—more than 63 per cent of the country’s annual total consumption.
- Seaspan’s investment was made as part of their Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy obligations associated with the Joint Support Ship program under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Supporting research and development in clean technology is a key priority of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan.
