Oakland University’s Clean Energy Research Center was launched on Thursday, March 31, 2011, presented by the partnership with the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) and the OU INCubator.
The center gained support through a grant from Michigan DELEG and a private partner, Energy Systems Group, as well as through other means involved in the revitalization of Michigan.
The new CERC will focus its interests on:
- Biomass Energy
- Solar Energy
- Bio-Power
- Wind Energy
- Energy Efficient Technologies
During the Official Launch, some of the speakers expressed their views for the future:
OU President, Dr. Gary D. Russi discussed the new medical school that is opening on campus, a new human health building, and the launch of the CERC.
Dr. Virinder Moudgil, OU’s provost and Sr. VP for Academic Affairs stated that one of OU’s goals is to be able to supply talent to all renewable energy companies now and in the future.
Bryan Barmett, Mayor of Rochester Hills and OU Alumnus, spoke about Bright Automotive and American company comprised of automotive entrepreneurs, with experience in hybrid vehicles and battery packs. As well as Luma Resources who provide a beautiful roof and a simple solution to solar rooftop systems. Rochester Hills is attracting clean energy industry leaders!
U.S. Michigan Senator, Carl Levin sent a video message that said: We need to grow Michigan’s economy and we can build on our strengths with clean energy. We can lead the electric vehicle revolution with clean energy technology and battery production in Michigan. This new center is an important part of new technology. The CERC will help Michigan industry, the environment and will create jobs; it is an important part of the puzzle.
OU Alumna, Colleen Peters spoke on behalf of her husband Congressman Gary Peters who disuccsed a vision putting us where we want to be. OU takes on new challenges for the advancement of Michigan. CERC and OU INCubator will help many dreams come true in green and renewable energy technology. We are major producers of solar technology and clean energy will power Michigan’s economy.
Mr. Gilbert Sperling – Sr. Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary; Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy USDOE talked about Michigan needing to be leaders in technological development, this is a challenge we need to win. Who ever leads in clean energy will run the world and that needs to be the United States. The government needs to help with clean energy funding, creation of new companies, new jobs and new technology. We need the government on all levels to join with the public sector to attain our goals.
Mr. Martin Dober – Sr. VP Entrepreneurship and Innovation for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC): Representing the MEDC and Governor Snyder described wanting to focus on entrepreneurship and clean energy. We are encouraging new entrepreneurs and the MEDC and DELEG will be participating.
Maureen D. Krauss, Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs Oakland County for L. Brooks Patterson expressed being passionate about clean energy in Oakland County. There are 15 colleges and universities in Oakland County alone and this new center is a huge asset for us.
The launch was a success, it was supported by government officials, business leaders, media sources and the community leaders. Everyone at the event had the chance to view a variety of clean energy enterprises and organizations in the area, as well as learn about the partnership between SECS and OU INCubator.
“Today’s tremendous and enthusiastic turnout simply confirms what immense potential the green industries have in Michigan’s future,” said David Spencer, executive director of OU INC. “Our goal will be to put powerful and proven business tools in the hands of entrepreneurs with the creativity, ambition and dedication to help put the state’s 21st century economy into high gear.”
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Source: Sally Bellanger, Contributing Writer & Photographer, GreeningDetroit.com