Natural Resources Canada
2006/39
October 30, 2006

Energy Science and Technology: National Advisory Panel Releases Report

OTTAWA —A report from a national advisory panel created by the Government of Canada calls for an increased focus on energy science and technology (S&T) to ensure long-term growth and sustainability in the Canadian economy. Powerful Connections: Priorities and Directions in Energy Science and Technology in Canada highlights a number of areas that need to be strengthened if Canada is to remain a key energy player in the world.

“The report makes it clear that we have to continue developing the clean-energy technologies that Canada needs,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our commitment to clean energy and the Clean Air Act are key ways Canada's New Government will meet its environmental objectives to finally address the effective reduction of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. We are committed to work with governments and industry and we will continue to support research on these technologies and help bring them to market.”

Panel members were asked to identify Canada’s key energy science and technology priorities and mechanisms for delivering on these priorities, including government research and partnership among governments, industry and research institutions, at both national and international levels.

The report contains a number of recommendations to strengthen innovation in the Canadian energy sector and ensure its long-term sustainability. It also defines a number of key priorities for sustainable energy S&T in Canada. They include bioenergy; gasification; CO₂ capture and storage; electricity transmission, distribution and storage; and fuel cells.

The Report’s recommendations are in line with the Goverment’s environmental approach, in which innovation is critical. As part of this approach, the Government recently introduced its Clean Air Act, which commits to establishing air pollution targets to compel polluters to respect emissions limits. New and emerging technologies will play a significant role in helping industry achieve the targets.

Although the panel states that Canada is well-positioned for the long-term, more funding support for innovation is needed from governments, both federal and provincial, and the private sector to ensure Canada maintains and strengthens its strong standing in the global energy economy.

The panel was established in May 2005 and included a number of key representatives from both the public and private energy sectors.

The report is available at http://www2.nrcan.gc.ca/es/oerd.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

A national advisory panel is calling for an increased focus on energy science and technology. Its report defines recommendations and priorities that can help Canada maintain its role as a key energy player in the world.

For more information, media may contact:

The following media backgrounder is also available:

1. Report of the National Advisory Panel on Energy Science and Technology

NRCan’s news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.