Energy, EV, Mining Research Showcased During Visit with PA Chris Scott
On June 13, U of T welcomed MPP Chris Scott, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines, for a lab tour and briefings on the university’s grid, electric vehicle (EV), and mining research – areas also affiliated with the Climate Positive Energy (CPE) Research Initiative.
To begin, Associate Professor Ali Hooshyar provided PA Scott with an overview of the Grid Modernization Centre (GMC). The Centre allows small-to-medium sized businesses and industry partners to connect their green technologies to advanced, real-time simulators. This allows firm to better understand how their technology will perform before being integrated with the grid. Put simply, it de-risks the implementation of technologies and helps ensure Ontario’s grid remains safe and reliable as new technologies are added.
In 2024, U of T received $10 million from the federal government to support this first-of-its-kind facility in Canada. Over 50 partners including Siemens are providing expertise and equipment to support this much-needed, innovative facility.
Siemens Canada is an integral partner for U of T. Siemens is providing cutting-edge software and hardware for the GMC. In addition, Siemens is working with U of T faculty on research projects related to the electrical grid – a partnership that was announced in 2024. One example is the work led by Professor Deepa Kundur, Chair of the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her research team is exploring how power utilities can defend against cyber attacks. In 2025, CPE once again partnered with Siemens on a dedicated grid protection project led by Professor Hooshyar.
Next, Professor Olivier Trescases provided an overview of the University of Toronto Electric Vehicle (UTEV) Research Centre, which is focused on developing and testing next-generation EV technologies, including power electronics, automotive integrated circuits, battery systems, and charging infrastructure.
“By bringing together researchers from across the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, UTEV offers companies access to multidisciplinary expertise to tackle real-world challenges,” said Professor Trescases.
He highlighted UTEV’s collaborations with numerous Canadian companies such as Litens, Dana/TM4, eLeap Power and WSP, as well as international industry leaders including TSMC, On Semiconductor, TATA, Intel, and NXP. He also noted UTEV’s partnership with Porsche Canada and the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies to develop and deliver an electromobility micro-credential program, which has trained over 500 Porsche employees across Canada.
Trescases emphasized the urgent need to retain top engineering talent in Canada after graduation, particularly in light of the global war for talent in the EV industry. He stressed that government investments in EV and battery manufacturing should be matched by support for the full R&D ecosystem, including expanding research capacity in key strategic areas.
To conclude, Professor Lesley Warren, Director of the Mining Futures Initiative, provided an overview of U of T Mining. For the past 25-years, U of T Mining has been a leading centre for research and talent development in the mining sector. Today, U of T is ranked third in Canada for mineral and mining engineering research.
“At U of T Mining, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of mining engineers, helping professionals upskill through the Mining Industry Management Program, and partnering with industry to tackle the sector’s pressing grand challenges,” Warren said.
In recent years, enrollment in U of T’s undergraduate mining program has doubled, driven by growing recognition of the sector’s role in the energy transition, greater industry exposure, and hands-on learning opportunities for students. Through the Mining Futures Initiative, U of T Mining is working with industry partners like Vale Base Metals on bespoke training activities and research projects.
“It was great to visit U of T and get a firsthand look at the innovations driving Ontario’s energy future. Thanks to our world-class post-secondary institutions for leading the way on smart grids, EV batteries, and critical mineral tech; advances that mean cleaner power, good jobs, and a stronger Ontario,” said MPP Chris Scott, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines.
Reflecting on the visit, CPE’s Executive Director Shatha Qaqish-Clavering said, “It was a pleasure to host PA Chris Scott on campus and spotlight just some of the impactful initiatives that CPE researchers are leading in collaboration with industry and government partners.”
“Together, CPE is supporting Ontario’s energy future and net zero objectives. Our researchers are also developing the talent needed to support these sectors and economic growth. It’s exciting to be part of this transformative work.”
Left to right: Forrest Parlee (Deputy Chief of Government Relations, U of T), David Black (Senior Consultant – Government Affairs, Siemens), Professor Olivier Trescases, Spencer Page (Manager, Corporate Affairs, Vale Base Metals), Professor Lesley Warren, and PA Chris Scott.
(Written by: Catrina Kronfli)