Biofuel opportunities key to co-op between China and Canada

Dr H. John Harker, president and vice-chancellor of Cape Breton University (CBU) of Canada, who will be visiting Beijing and Henan province between July 3rd and July 10th, sees significant potential in biofuels as a source of shared research that will foster Chinese and Canadian cooperation.

One of Dr Harker's greatest interests is that of renewable energy and its sustainable development. His background in energy development and sustainability has seen him invited to meet with senior industry leaders worldwide. International research partnerships for faculty and students are critical to meeting such challenges. In addressing its own commitment, Cape Breton University has recently opened its remarkable Verschuren Centre, a state-of-the-art research facility which was founded by both federal and local government together with CBU, combines academic and industrial expertise to explore and develop solutions related to sustainability in energy and the environment.

Its advanced technology and elite research group have attracted many international scholars and enterprises, and have brought advanced conceptions and management experiences to relative organizations. During the visit, the President is very glad to invite the Chinese governments, enterprises, and research institutions to join in the research group in Verschuren Centre in near future.

Dr Harker noted at the time of the official opening that "The Verschuren Centre was conceived on the premise of building the future by looking to the past." As he prepares to leave for his visit to China, he adds, "It is clear that both countries share a commitment to rich histories that will create legacies that advance environmental research and innovation." Currently CBU is pursuing heating plant that can efficiently burn biomass, comprised of renewable and recycled resources resulting in reduced emissions. Exploration of new technologies specific to renewable energy is underway with plans to transition the CBU campus into one that will be energy self-sufficient.

Under Dr Harkers leadership, Cape Breton University has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with several Chinese government bodies, enterprises, and research institutions, such as the cooperation with the National Development and Reform Commission of China. Having a valued history of engagement with China has seen CBU open its own office in China, the first by any Canadian university.

The individuals, governments, enterprise as well as research institutions will be welcomed at Cape Breton University to conduct collaborative research with Verschuren Centre experts in areas of study related to clean carbon energy, mine water management, renewable energy and environmental sustainable development. "Fostering exchanges of concepts, new thinking and technology is valuable for all partners. Where world summits fail, universities can succeed," adds Harker.

As one of the important partners in sustainable development, Canada, with abundant energy resources, professional researchers, and advanced technology, has established various co-operations with Chinese post-secondary institutions and government bodies in this area. In the past couple of decades more Canadian researchers have become aware of Chinas research in sustainable development in energy and the environment, encouraging academic exchange between China and Canada.

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20) was successfully held in Brazil and more than 130 heads of governments attended the conference last month. Sustainable development still remains a remarkable topic around the globe. Over the last 20 years, China has put a lot of effort into achieving sustainability. International cooperation as the key attribute of the Rio conference has been focused on by Chinese government, thus China is constantly establishing extensive international cooperation and exchange programs through diversified channels. As the President Hu Jintao emphasized, the cooperation between China and Canada in the field of energy has great potential, and we should establish a strategic long-term partnership.