Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), one of the world's largest companies, signed an agreement today to collaborate on hydrogen and fuel cell technology research. The Ministry of International Trade, which made the initial connection that led to the new agreement, is promoting British Columbia's world-leading clean technology sector in this priority market.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited is India's flagship national oil company and the country's largest corporation, ranking 88th on the Forbes Global 500 list in 2013. The company is preparing to launch a new $300 million research and development centre in Faridabad, in part to foster a hydrogen fuel economy in the rapidly growing country.

British Columbia has expanded its trade and investment network in India to connect B.C. organizations and companies with new opportunities, and clean technology is a priority sector in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan. In 2013, ministry staff introduced Indian Oil's Director of Research and Development, Dr. R.K. Malhotra, to key B.C. organizations, including SFU.

In December, the ministry, with financial support from the Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, organized a delegation to India to participate in the second annual Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Conference. Representatives from SFU, Ballard Power Systems, Greenlight Innovations, XRG Energy Tech and Quadrogen participated in the mission, meeting with Indian government departments, industry groups, research institutions, and automotive, energy and telecom companies.

A number of trade deals, innovation agreements and partnership proposals are proceeding as a result of British Columbia's strategic outreach program in India, building a foundation for additional investment into B.C. by India's clean tech and energy sectors. Ballard Power Systems, for example, announced in December that its fuel cell systems are being deployed in Idea Cellular's wireless telecommunications network, India's third largest with 100 million subscribers.

The collaboration agreement announced today, signed by SFU president Andrew Petter and Dr. Malhotra in New Delhi with British Columbia's India Trade and Investment Representative, Chaitanya Patil, in attendance, will see research exchanges between the two organizations and a potential joint centre for hydrogen and fuel cell research at Indian Oil's R&D site in Faridabad.

SFU also announced that it will conduct a PhD exchange program with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, one of the country's top engineering colleges.

Quotes:

Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism -

"We are deepening relationships in key sectors such as clean technology to increase trade and investment between British Columbia and India. Connecting world-leading institutions such as Simon Fraser University with a company such as Indian Oil will boost research and commercialization, attract new investment, and create and protect jobs for British Columbians."

Dr. R.K. Malhotra, Director of Research and Development, Indian Oil Corporation Limited -

"Indian Oil recognizes and values the global lead role which British Columbia is taking in the fuel cell developments and its commercialization. The collaboration with Simon Fraser University will help Indian Oil to get the benefit of their expertise in hydrogen and fuel cell research. The intended collaborative research will help further the development and optimization of fuel cell technology and cut down the cost."

Andrew Petter, president, Simon Fraser University -

"SFU researchers have much to contribute and gain through this relationship. SFU is internationally recognized for its expertise in fuel cell technology. Collaborating on research with Indian Oil will provide greater opportunities for our faculty members and students to advance the field globally."

Eric Denhoff, president and CEO, Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association -

"As a result of the continued relationship with India, an MOU has been established between the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association and the Hydrogen Association of India to build a practical platform for exchange and collaboration between industry, government, universities and research institutes. Canadian fuel cell companies have had tremendous success this year in key new markets overseas, including India and China. The CHFCA was able to leverage our members' expertise in India through the strong efforts of staff in the B.C. government's trade offices in India, and through funding provided by the Government of Canada."

Learn More:

Check out the Province's international-facing website to see what investors and decision-makers around the world see about our competitive advantages: www.BritishColumbia.ca

Learn more about the BC Jobs Plan at: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
778 977-0298