Ontario supports Queen’s green power research

Research aimed at creating globally superior computer systems that are highly energy efficient and environmentally friendly has received a $5 million boost from the Ontario government.

The money goes to Queen’s engineer Praveen Jain, Canada Research Chair in Power Electronics and lead researcher on a project to develop green technologies for powering information systems.

“This is clear recognition by the Ontario government of the importance and societal value of this kind of research. We greatly appreciate this support,” says Vice Principal (Research) Kerry Rowe.

Aimed at increasing energy efficiency for information systems by 15 to 20 per cent within the next five years, his research team hopes to develop new commercially viable

IT-specific renewable energy power systems, including wind and solar-based systems.

In the process, the researchers intend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by millions of tonnes a year.

This second round of funding under the Research Excellence program will invest $114,709,614 to support 19 world-class projects at nine Ontario universities, institutes and hospitals. Funding will be matched by 107 major industry and other partners participating in the projects.

“Today’s investment is part of our government’s strategy to fuel research and innovation that will ensure long-term prosperity for all Ontarians,” says Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson. “We are building on one of Ontario’s biggest strengths, our world-class researchers, to create the high-value jobs of the future - jobs that have not even been invented yet.”