TORONTO, Nov 10, 2008 -- BUSINESS WIRE

World-class research supported by the Ontario government will help create jobs, develop new energy sources and fight climate change.

The Ontario government is investing more than $5 million to support innovative research projects in the clean technology sector, an area of the economy that brings together environmental solutions and economic potential.

Promising research projects receiving funding include:

-- Pioneering new hydrogen-based energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, led by Dr. Greg Naterer, University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

-- Developing workable, cost-efficient fuel cells that can run on both traditional fuels and on renewable fuels such as hydrogen, biogas and ethanol, led by Dr. Olivera Kesler, University of Toronto.

Supporting innovation is part of the government's five-point plan for growing Ontario's economy which includes:

-- Investing in skills and knowledge

-- Investing in infrastructure for a stronger Ontario

-- Enhancing Ontario's competitiveness

-- Strengthening the environment for innovation

-- Forming key partnerships to strengthen Ontario's industries.

"Provincial support for clean technologies and energy research is an important part of Ontario's Innovation Agenda -- turning good ideas into good-paying jobs and better lives for Ontario families," said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson.

"Research and innovation has a major role to play in helping us reach our targets for greenhouse gas reductions and transforming Ontario into a green economy. Becoming a leader in green technology will translate into better jobs for Ontarians and healthier, stronger and more successful communities all across the province," said Minister of the Environment John Gerretsen.

"Our remarkable team is grateful for the provincial government's funding commitment to our research," said Dr. Greg Naterer. "We have taken important steps towards making sustainable, low-cost hydrogen production a reality, while building on Durham Region's strengths in the energy sector. The groundbreaking advances will benefit the Ontario economy and our environment beyond anything we can now imagine."

QUICK FACTS

-- Ontario is home to the largest geothermal well field in Canada and second largest in North America. Established at the University of Ontario Institute for Technology (UOIT), it consists of 384 holes each drilled 213 metres (700 feet) into the earth and linked to mechanical systems that provide efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling to the entire university campus.

-- Funding from today's announcement comes from the Ontario Research Fund. The funding will support 260 researchers involved with 34 projects at 11 institutions.

-- The funding is part of $37 million worth of Ontario Research Fund investments the province is announcing this fall to support more than 1,800 researchers working on more than 200 projects at 17 institutions.

SOURCE: Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

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