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People of SFU
SFU-Ballard partnership driving green solutions
The prospect of Canada supplying hydrogen to countries like Germany resonates with many of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµprofessor Erik Kjeang’s students on the path to becoming clean energy engineers.
Kjeang, a researcher in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµSurrey’s School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, began a formal collaboration with Ballard Power Systems over a decade ago. The relationship has since provided first-hand experiences for more than 50 students. Many are now employed by Ballard.
Yadvinder Singh, who completed graduate work on improving the durability of hydrogen-based fuel cell power systems, is among benefactors. “Working in state-of-the-art research and analytical facilities, the industry-relevant nature of my research has enabled me to advance my career in the clean energy sector,� says Singh, now a research scientist at Ballard.
“I am directly applying my skills and training towards developing commercial zero-emission fuel cell products that are helping to address the major environmental challenges of the day.�
The SFU-Ballard partnership has been sustained through a variety of projects, including two major Automotive Partnership Canada funded projects with a combined value of $11 million. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµSurrey has since become home to world-leading, state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell themed research labs.
“A key outcome to date has been the contribution of this research to enhancing the durability of zero-emission fuel cell systems for heavy duty vehicles such as buses and trucks, which can also be leveraged for rail and marine applications, as well as stationary distributed power generation,� says Kjeang.
“Hydrogen energy is considered an important part of Canada’s decarbonization efforts and net-zero emissions goals, and our research contributes to fulfilling the ambitions of the national and provincial hydrogen strategies.�