SmartGrid Canada Supports the New ecoEnergy Innovation Initiative

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2011/09/c2610.html

SmartGrid Canada Supports the New ecoEnergy Innovation Initiative

VANCOUVER, Aug. 9, 2011 /CNW/ - SmartGrid Canada, a national non-profit organization leading Canada's smart grid transformation, is pleased with the Government of Canada's new ecoEnergy Innovation Initiative launched on August 2, 2011.

The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, introduced the new ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative this week. The $97-million program will invest in research, development and demonstration projects for clean energy technologies that will create high-quality jobs for Canadians.

"The New Clean Energy Initiative shows Canada's commitment to build a more sustainable future by advancing critical smart grid technologies.  We support its creation and endorse its strategic goals," said Ralph Zucker, Executive Director of SmartGrid Canada.

The ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative will bring forward energy technologies that produce and use energy in a cleaner and more efficient way. Selected projects will focus on research, development and demonstration in five key areas: energy efficiency in buildings, communities, industry and transportation; clean electricity and renewables; bioenergy; research and development of electric vehicles; and unconventional oil and gas. More information can be found at ecoenergyinnovation.nrcan.gc.ca.

About SmartGrid Canada

Established in 2010, SmartGrid Canada (sgcanada.org) is the premiere national organization leading Canada's smart grid transformation. Its mandate is to promote a more modern and efficient electricity grid for the benefit of all Canadians. Its members are public and private organizations, including utilities, vendors, technology and service providers, academia and other industry associations. More information can be found at sgcanada.org.