December 16, 2010
Renewable Energy Focus of Agreement with World-class Manufacturer: Selinger
– – –Province Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
The Manitoba government and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) of Japan will work together to explore renewable energy development opportunities under an agreement signed today by Premier Greg Selinger and Ichiro Fukue, senior executive vice-president and representative director of MHI.
“Our government and MHI share an interest in renewable energy sources and associated clean technologies that are economically and environmentally sustainable, moving away from carbon-intensive fossil fuels to low- and non-emitting sources of energy,” said Selinger. “Ultimately, we hope to see more of those technologies developed, tested and manufactured in Manitoba for local and global markets.”
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the province of Manitoba, which is actually leading the low-carbon society with its abundant natural resources and we look forward to working closely together to contribute the low-carbon technologies towards a zero-emission society in Manitoba,” said Fukue.
Headquartered in Tokyo, MHI is a world leader in developing and manufacturing innovative high-efficiency power generation systems including renewable energy technologies and leading-edge energy-efficiency solutions that contribute to a low-carbon society.
“Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a well-earned reputation as a global leader in green technology,” said Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak. “Manitoba’s strong record of investment in renewable energy and innovation combined with our commitment to a sustainable path forward make this a natural partnership.”
The agreement creates the structure for a series of potential collaborative projects between Manitoba and MHI in eight areas, identified as:
· electrification of transportation and recharging infrastructure projects;
· battery-storage technologies;
· heat-pump technologies;
· advanced biofuels technologies;
· wind-energy technologies;
· energy-efficiency technologies and systems;
· solar technologies and silicon processing; and
· integrated energy production, storage and utilization demonstrations.
A combination of Manitoba’s natural resources, cold-weather testing capabilities and the growing expertise of academic institutions, private companies, Manitoba Hydro and governments in clean energy initiatives make this the perfect place to focus on innovative renewable energy technologies, Selinger said.
The province continues to use its advantages to develop renewable energy sources, the premier said. They include vast waterways allowing for the production of clean, renewable hydroelectricity and a variety of biomass sources from forests and the agricultural sector to produce carbon-neutral heat, electricity and transportation fuels. World-class wind resources are available to fuel utility and small-scale wind farms. Manitobans are also tapping the solar energy captured in the earth’s crust to produce renewable heat for homes and businesses, Selinger added.
MHI is one of the world’s leading heavy machinery manufacturers, producing a diverse range of products in a wide range of sectors including shipbuilding, power plants, chemical plants, environmental equipment, steel structures, innovative transportation systems, industrial and general machinery, aircraft, space rocketry and air-conditioning systems. MHI group has roughly 67,500 employees in total and revenue of approximately $34 billion annually.
- 30 -