Powered by and for the people - Engineers in Canada and India will work together to further energy-efficient technology and create local jobs

GUJARAT, India, Feb. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - An issue faced by many countries is the need for clean, efficient sources of energy to power their homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. With reliable energy sources comes an improved, more consistent quality of life.

That's why engineers in Canada and India are working together under a new research partnership agreement between Toronto-based energy consulting company Kinectrics and the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU). The partnership involves a new state-of-the-art laboratory to test and develop conductors that can transfer significantly more electricity to highly populated areas or to industrial hubs than ever before and at lower cost.

Today the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, participated in a stone-laying ceremony for the new laboratory. 

Researchers working in this innovative facility will develop practical and cost-effective high-capacity transmission conductors that will improve the long-term quality and reliability of energy sources for the people of India.

Kinectrics and GSFU are each investing $1.75 million. The partnership will create research collaborations between Canadian and Indian scientists as well as training opportunities for Indian students who will be equipped with the skills they need for high-quality jobs in the growing energy sector.

Quotes

"I applaud the partnership between Kinectrics and GFSU and look forward to their efficient-energy technologies that will be the source of new opportunities for learning, training and local jobs. It's technologies like these that have the greatest potential to impact our daily lives and improve our quality of life."
? The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"This will be the first laboratory in the world built specifically for testing high-temperature low-sag [HTLS] conductors. Local testing will support a cost-effective approval process for HTLS conductors to service the growing demand for electricity in India, assuring long-term quality and reliability of power delivery to the public."
? David Harris, Chief Executive Officer, Kinectrics

Quick facts

• The Gujarat Forensic Sciences University was founded in 2008 and has quickly become a leading research university in a range of areas from medical sciences to cyber security. It is the world's first university dedicated to forensic and investigative science.
• Kinectrics has its headquarters in Toronto, Canada. The company's 1,000 engineers and technical experts provide testing, inspection, certification and engineering consulting for the electric power generation, transmission and distribution markets worldwide.
• The Kinectrics Laboratory is expected to grow the local economy in India by CAN$4 million over the next year, with intentions of attracting and building business from neighbouring areas as well.
• The Government of Canada has taken steps to boost the growth of Canada's clean technology producers. It set aside more than $2.3 billion for clean tech in last year's budget alone.

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada