Building on its commitment to sustainability, Concordia is taking another step forward in addressing energy transition and electrification challenges through an exciting partnership in Shawinigan, Quebec.
The university has signed a collaboration agreement with the City of Shawinigan and the Centre National en électrochimie et en Technologies Environnementales (CNETE) to develop a thematic campus centered on energy transition. The campus will focus on crucial areas like energy storage, transport electrification, applied artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering and cybersecurity.
“This collaboration with Shawinigan and the CNETE is a testament to Concordia's unwavering commitment to driving sustainable innovation,” says Graham Carr, Concordia’s president and vice-chancellor.
“As a recognized leader in energy transition and electrification, we are excited to join forces with our partners to shape a more environmentally responsible future for Quebec and beyond.”
Bridging research, education and industry
The thematic campus aims to address climate change by fostering research, development, innovation and training in lithium-ion batteries, next-generation batteries and energy systems. The university strategically selected Shawinigan for its robust connections to local partners and its capacity to support the battery ecosystem.
"We are thrilled to embark on this innovative journey with the City of Shawinigan and CNETE,” says Mourad Debbabi, dean of the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. “This collaboration allows the Gina Cody School to actively contribute to shaping a sustainable future by bridging research, education and industry in the critical field of energy transition."
Designated as the "Cité de l’énergie" after shaping the history of hydroelectricity in Quebec, Shawinigan continues to pave the way in electrochemistry and transport electrification.
"Today is a historic date for our city,” says Shawinigan's mayor, Michel Angers. “It fills us with pride that one of Canada's leading universities has decided to work here. The work of transforming our economy, which began 15 years ago, now places our city on the world stage of research. The strategic position occupied by Concordia, CNETE and the Cégep de Shawinigan in this field will take our city to the next level.”