The National Research Council of Canada and the University of British Columbia Launch New Collaboration Centre for Clean Energy Transition

The National Research Council of Canada and the University of British Columbia logos

June 16, 2021

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) announce their new Collaboration Centre for Clean Energy Transition.

Researchers from the NRC’s Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, and key faculty members and students from the UBC Applied Science and Science faculties will work together to develop innovations in hydrogen and carbon technologies across the value chain of clean energy development. This includes materials, systems, technologies and industrial applications.

The collaboration will lead to discoveries and advances in the transition to clean technologies, including publications, patents, and the commercialization of technology to enable affordable, clean alternatives to fossil fuels. Training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will also be provided through this collaboration.

“Building a foundation for a greener, more sustainable economy starts with strong supports for our scientists and researchers. Our Government is committed to fostering collaborative opportunities like this one through the National Research Council of Canada and the University of British Columbia because some of the best ideas come when innovative minds work together. This partnership is an important step in strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader in clean technology and moving us closer to a more resilient and healthier future for all Canadians.”

— The Honourable François-Phillippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“The transition to the clean economy will create jobs and economic opportunities across the country, while ensuring that Canada remains competitive on the world stage. British Columbia’s burgeoning clean technology sector is critical for the clean energy transition, and I am pleased to see this centre housed at the University of British Columbia’s Applied Science and Science faculties.”

— The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“We are excited to further strengthen our collaboration with the University of British Columbia through this agreement and we look forward to working together to make breakthroughs to decarbonize our economy and build Canada’s green industrial advantage. The National Research Council of Canada is committing its capabilities alongside our partners to focus on advancing the transition to clean energy, which will have a significant impact on our economy and society. We are at our best when we are working together in addressing the challenges that are important to Canadians.”

— Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada

“We are excited to be enhancing our collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada through the creation of this centre. It brings together research strengths at both institutions to tackle key global challenges and support a transition to clean energy alternatives including hydrogen technologies. It will generate new learning opportunities for students and trainees, and through collaborations with community and industry partners, we hope to strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in clean energy and the global hydrogen economy.”

— Prof. Gail Murphy, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, UBC

Quick facts

– The National Research Council of Canada and the University of British Columbia have a long-standing history of close collaborations and common research activities in the areas of clean energy materials and devices and future energy systems based on alternative fuels including hydrogen and synthetic hydrocarbons derived from carbon dioxide conversion.
– The objectives and activities of this National Research Council of Canada-University of British Columbia Collaboration Centre for Clean Energy Transition will complement those of the NRC-University of Toronto Collaboration Centre for Green Energy Materials.
– Collaboration centre projects will build on work in progress across the clean energy value chain, ranging from materials and components for electrolyzers to data analytics for hydrogen refuelling system studies.
– The Collaboration Centre for Clean Energy Transition will have dedicated research space at the National Research Council of Canada and the University of British Columbia.
– To help position Canada as a global leader, the National Research Council of Canada is increasing its collaboration with regional ecosystems, universities, polytechnic institutions and colleges by establishing collaboration centres across the country.
– To foster collaboration, the National Research Council of Canada is co-locating researchers and equipment with partners to create collaboration centres anchored in research themes of shared mutual interest. Located at either an NRC or a partner’s research facility, researchers from both organizations share access to specialized equipment, work side by side on collaborative projects, and provide training opportunities for young scientists.
– Building on recent Government of Canada investments in climate action and clean technology, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $17.6 billion toward a green recovery that creates middle-class jobs, builds a clean economy, and protects against climate change.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    May 5, 2025 Sensors designed for industrial applications often face harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, high humidity, exposure to chemicals, and the presence of combustible gases or dust. Two common classifications for sensors used in such environments are hazardous environment sensors and intrinsically safe sensors. While they share some overlap, they serve different purposes and… Read More…

  • The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    May 5, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Teledyne FLIR OEM launched their Thermal by FLIR about six years ago, to expand support for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who integrate FLIR thermal camera technology into their products. Since then, these collaborations have taken thermal into completely new spaces. Mike Walters, Vice President of Emerging Product Management at FLIR… Read More…

  • Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    May 5, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction rose 1.5% (+$331.7 million) to $22.4 billion in February, with gains being recorded across all components. The residential sector increased 1.8% to $15.7 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 0.8% to $6.8 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 8.9% in February. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction… Read More…

  • MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    May 4, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Canada’s largest Mechanical, Plumbing, Hydronics, HVAC, Electrical and Lighting Expo did not disappoint. On April 24-25, more than 6,000 attendees flocked to the Palais des congrès in the heart of Montreal to attend the Mechanical, Conditioning, Electrical, and Equipment (MCEE) trade show to see the latest products, learn about… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    May 5, 2025 After decades of leadership, City Electric Supply bid a warm farewell to two incredible branch managers in their Ottawa District — Vicky Mackay (Ottawa Central & Kemptville) and Brian Doucette (Pembroke). “Their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact will be felt for years to come,” said City Electric Supply on LinkedIn. City Electric Supply are also introducing… Read More…

  • 2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    May 5, 2025 Canada’s largest skilled trades and technology conference, the Skills Ontario Competition, is back at the Toronto Congress Centre May 5th – May 6th. Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, said Skills Ontario is changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies through events like the Skills Ontario Competition. “We look forward… Read More…

  • Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    May 4, 2025 The Manitoba government is proud to acknowledge the outstanding work and commitment of newly certified journeypersons, as well as recognize employers and their contributions to Manitoba’s skilled trades, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced last night at the Legislative Building during the 33rd annual Apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards… Read More…

  • Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    May 4, 2025  Acuity Inc. has acquired the business assets of M3 Innovation, LLC, a sports lighting startup that uses innovative technology to lower the overall cost of the installation and operation of sports lighting solutions.   The acquisition has already closed, and the solution is now part of the Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) business portfolio. M3 Innovation’s products and innovative technology will be available through Acuity’s independent sales network as part of their Lithonia Lighting® brand and through direct sales and utility channels as part of their Holophane® brand.   “We are excited to welcome M3 Innovation to ABL. The founders are thought… Read More…