March 3, 2014 – Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne has announced the creation of the Advanced Energy Centre, a partnership between the public and private sectors, MaRS Discovery District and the Ontario ministry of energy that aims to drive economic growth and sustainable job creation.

Uniting founding industry partners Capgemini and Siemens, as well as utility and government representatives, the Centre said it will work “collaboratively to consolidate and extend Canada’s early lead in next-generation energy technologies—such as those in the energy data and energy storage space—capturing new domestic markets and transforming these local successes into international market opportunities for Ontario.”

According to the partners, the Centre will build on conservation initiatives such as the Ontario Green Button, a program launched by the ministry of energy and MaRS that gives consumers greater visibility and control over their energy usage. The Centre will also work to deploy Ontario smart grid solutions globally through international partnerships, it noted.

“The transformation of energy networks and infrastructure is estimated to create a $3 trillion global market by 2020,” said Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District. “I’m thrilled that MaRS will be working with entrepreneurs, government and industry stakeholders to ensure that leading Canadian innovations capture a significant share of this growing export market.”

Paul Murphy, the former president and CEO of Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), has been named the founding chair of the Centre’s advisory board.

“The co-operation of the public and private sectors is key to the success of this effort,” he said. “By combining our proven energy sector expertise with our disruptive innovations, the Centre will be a game-changer when it comes to exporting our energy solutions.”