FIRST OF ITS KIND IN CANADA, AGREEMENT FOCUSES ON R&D
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Edmonton, Alberta, October 10, 2007 -- Through the first strategic partnership between GE and a Canadian province, the Alberta government and GE Water & Process Technologies will collaborate to find technological solutions to challenges facing the province. A new Memorandum of Understanding signed October 10 focuses on long-term cooperative research and development initiatives in water-related areas such as mitigating pipeline corrosion.
"This is the right time in Alberta to focus on building a strategic partnership with a key industry leader, like GE. Increasing research efforts and technology commercialization is a growing priority for the province," said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. "GE's extensive insight will create significant opportunities for Alberta's technology and business development sectors to turn their innovations into marketable and profitable products."
The Memorandum of Understanding creates a foundation for the Alberta government and GE to work with Alberta's researchers, scientists and businesses in water-related research and development projects in areas such as oil sands technologies and water management, energy management including gasification, biofuels and greenhouse gas emissions, nanotechnology, and healthcare technologies.
"This partnership with GE is part of government's broader goal to build a culture of innovation and investment in the province and turning research and development projects into higher value goods and services," added Horner.
"We are excited about this partnership that will explore ways to protect Alberta's natural resources through sound water management," said Jeff Garwood, president and CEO of GE Water & Process Technologies. "This collaborative effort will focus on innovative approaches to help meet today's growing water and wastewater needs in power, oil and gas, healthcare, and various other industries.
GE Water & Process Technologies
Strengthening relationships with key organizations that share government's commitment to long-term investment in research and technology commercialization supports Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to build a stronger Alberta. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans' quality of life and promote safe and secure communities.
GE is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. In Canada, GE has 10,000 employees, 15 major manufacturing plants and 150 sales and service locations across the country. www.ge.com, www.ecomagination.com
ABOUT GE WATER & PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES
A world leader in water, water reuse, wastewater treatment and process solutions, GE Water & Process Technologies brings the best technologies to enhance our customers' efficiency while protecting our environment. GE offers the broadest portfolio of water and process technologies, including: separation equipment; membrane & filtration technology; diagnostic tools; specialty chemicals; mobile water capabilities; service; and financing. GE is your single source no matter what your water or process need. GE is committed to develop and bring to market technologies that promote energy efficiency, lower harmful emissions, increase supplies of water, and reduce our use of fossil fuel---it's called ecomagination. For more information, visit www.ge.com/water.
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