the future needs our energy

Centennial College’s School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science – a leader in the provision of applied training in Canada – is illuminating the path to Ontario’s energy future. Through Centennial Energy Institute (CEI) we are providing the critical job skills for the new energy economy, and providing clarity to those seeking to implement modern energy technology.

The CEI engages the energy sector in the following areas: the development of educational and training programs within Centennial; the development of external training programs, courses and workshops for the professional and general public; the development of events for sharing and disseminating knowledge; and applied research. More on what CEI does...

The Centennial Energy Institute, in partnership with the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, and Summerhill Impact, are developing an Energy Storage Working Group in an attempt to identify policy, regulatory and program recommendations that will enable the rapid deployment of distrbuted sustainable generation in Toronto and throughout the rest of the province. Please see this backgrounder for more information.

The Centennial Energy Institute, in collaboration with respected industry partners, is proud to offer the Industrial & Building Energy eXpertise (IBEX) program. The curriculum provides a comprehensive entry point for individuals and organizations interested in building and industrial energy efficiency. IBEX will help you develop a powerful green energy skill-set that is in demand.

IBEX, an On-line Energy Management Program is now open for registration. Register here. Sign up before August 31, 2010 for the early bird rate and save $600!

Visit the IBEX page for further information.

On February 20, 2010 industry professionals from all over North America came to Centennial College to participate in a Introductory RETScreen Workshop. The day long sold-out Saturday workshop was led by Christian Cianfrone, a Green Buildings expert with Morrison Hershfield.

Dr. Sean White, lead instructor from the Ontario Solar Academy was one such participant: "I have used other programs for determining how to get the most out of a system, determine my annual system output and most important of all, the payback of a system" he said. "Through the CEI, in one day Christian showed me how to use RETScreen for those purposes" he continued. Noting the deficiencies in alternative software for analyzing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, Dr. White can now help students to better design PV systems using RETScreen software.

The next Introductory RETScreen workshops take place this Fall, on September 18 and November 20, at Centennial College's Progress Campus in Toronto's east end. Registration is available here. Anyone who participates in the Introductory RETScreen Workshops has the opportunity to fill out a course evaluation form where they can indicate what further specific training in RETScreen they may desire. An Advanced RETScreen Workshop for solar photovoltaic systems is scheduled for October 23, 2010. Send an email to cei@centennialcollege.ca to receive and alert once the workshop is available for registration.

Introduction to Alternative Energy Technologies Workshop - Next start date to be determined. Send an email to cei@centennialcollege.ca to get updates on this workshop.

Look out for the first Advanced RETScreen Workshops for Solar Photovoltaic Systems planned for October 23, 2010. This advanced RETScreen course will explore various examples ranging from grid-connected micro FIT and FIT projects to off-grid projects with storage. In addition to looking at parameters affecting energy performance, a large portion of the course will also focus on financial modeling, including multiple funding scenarios, incentives, tax laws and other important variables. A working knowledge of RETScreen is preferred, though a brief review will be provided at the beginning. Visit back for updates or send an email to cei@centennialcollege.ca to receive an alert once the workshop is available for registration.

The Centennial Energy Institute would like to officially welcome Lynda O'Malley to the CEI team.

Lynda joins the CEI as a part-time Project Analyst in a period of exciting developments at SETAS and in Ontario. With the successful initial phase-in of the province's Green Energy & Green Economy Act, interest and investments in energy conservation and sustainable energy generation is growing rapidly, leading to a high demand for training, research and consultancy. Lynda is finishing her Masters degree at York University in  energy storage and smart grid policy and has been active in the green energy sector in Ontario and Germany for several years.

Lynda will be focused on the CEI's marketing, roll-out and administration of its Industrial & Building Energy eXpertise (IBEX) training program for building and facility managers, as well as the development of other training programs and industry partnerships.

Once again, the staff of the Centennial Energy Institute and the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science would like to welcome Lynda to her new role.