Federal government advanced battery innovation through Dalhousie University

HALIFAX — On Jul. 31, while visiting the Metzger, Yang, Dahn Research Group’s battery laboratory at Dalhousie University, Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced $10.15 million in funding to establish Dalhousie University’s Canadian Battery Innovation Centre (CBIC). Minister Wilkinson was joined by Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West.

Under the leadership of Dalhousie battery scientists Drs. Michael Metzger and Chongyin Yang, the CBIC will facilitate the development of innovations from Canada’s top battery research laboratories by trying to create next-generation battery cells. The Centre will be a shared space for researchers across Canada, working on high-end battery prototyping, and will provide critical industry-oriented training in battery cell manufacturing to support the specialized workforce needed in Canada’s growing battery sector.

“When it comes to the clean economy, Canada’s competitors are increasingly making strategic investments to get ahead. Investing in domestic battery production is one of many ways Canada is supporting innovation-led commercial growth to create long-term economic benefits for Canada while cementing its place in the global battery and minerals sectors. I am pleased to support initiatives that help advance Canadian energy innovation as we deliver on our vision of a net-zero economy,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“The Canadian Battery Innovation Centre will provide our world-renowned battery scientists with a powerful tool, enabling them to rapidly envision, produce and test new batteries while collaborating with industry. This state-of-the-art facility will be a magnet for industry, fostering a research and development hub in Nova Scotia that promises to transform the science, the sector and the greening of our economy,” said Dr. Alice Aiken, Vice-President, Research and Innovation
Dalhousie University.