$5 million for wind energy

What’s powering the wind energy industry? The simple answer is the wind.

But a recent $5 million research grant awarded to Professor Liuchen Chang at the University of New Brunswick shows that the wind isn’t the only power behind the industry.

Part of a larger $35 million sum awarded to seven research networks by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the grant gives the wind power industry a much-needed boost towards technology commercialization.

In general, grants such as these support science and technology, increase research and training and create jobs, all of which lead to an improved quality of life and a stronger economy. The professor and his team plan to hire almost 200 students.

He’ll also be working with researchers from across the country on the project to develop made-in-Canada applications for generating wind energy. The New Brunswick professor has also partnered with 16 universities, 39 top-researchers wind-related researchers and 15 supporting partners from the wind industry.

Why is this important?

Well, because it will help to strengthen the wind industry. And in establishing wind energy as an economically viable and environmentally beneficial supplement to Canada’s energy portfolio, the Network will help drive growth in the Canadian manufacturing sector.

Indeed, wind energy is powering more than just our lights and electronics; it’s powering our economy.