Energy cluster immersion experience highlights Durham Region’s innovative EN3 sector

Whitby, Ontario – On October 16, The Regional Municipality of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism Division, joined the Town of Whitby, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and the Clarington Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development, to host an Energy Cluster Immersion Experience tour, highlighting the region’s innovative private and public Energy, Environment and Engineering (EN3) sector businesses. The tour took place as part of the Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity’s 21st TCI Network Global Conference 2018. Conference participants spanning academia, government and the EN3 industry from across the globe attended the tour.

In Durham, the environmental and engineering industries interconnect with energy, creating a united cluster, the strongest of its kind in Ontario. Companies within this vibrant sector include manufacturing and service businesses, supported by a growing number of industry and academic experts who are helping to advance the EN3 sector. The energy sector in Durham is responsible for the production of about 30 per cent of Ontario’s electricity. The presence of two nuclear power generation operations, has resulted in significant opportunities for manufacturing, engineering and service companies within the sector.

“Durham Region’s Energy, Environment and Engineering sector is one of the key industries in Durham Region,” said Brian Bridgeman, Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development. “We welcome this opportunity to showcase our energy sector, with its innovative ecosystem, enhanced partnerships and market-specific post-secondary educational programs.”

Participants learned how, over the course of four decades, an energy cluster has developed in Durham Region, earning the region a solid reputation in the global EN3 sector. Tour stops included the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s Nuclear Simulation Lab and Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE), OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Information Centre, and the Durham York Energy Centre.

“As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, Durham Region is well-positioned for growth,” said Kathy Weiss, Director, Economic Development and Tourism. “The region has incredible potential for EN3 firms looking to locate or relocate; tapping into a significant local talent pool of construction, engineering, professional and technical services.”

The Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism Division’s mandate is to encourage and facilitate activities that create job opportunities and increase private-sector investment in Durham Region. As the largest geographic municipality in the GTA, Durham Region’s land, location, people, infrastructure and quality of life, make the region the clear choice for investment.

Visit investdurham.ca to learn more about the Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism Division.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.