Commonwealth Makes Investments Energy, Environmental Research

The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority this week approved investments totaling $6 million in alternative energy and environmental research and product development.

 

"Technology-based industry is a huge economic driver for Pennsylvania," Gov. Rendell said. "By using our resources wisely, we are equipping our universities, venture capital firms, and economic development partners with the tools they need to bring new ideas to the marketplace and support young companies. These investments will help solidify our reputation as a leader in technology investment."

 

The among the newly approved projects are:

 

-- The Energy Commercialization Institute received $1.2 million to support the first regional partnership in southeast Pennsylvania for advancing alternative and clean energy technologies. The funding will focus on high-impact energy areas of transportation and generation with the founding partners of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA, the University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University.

 

--Lehigh University received $700,000 to support the university's energy and environmental research initiative. The funding will be used to support energy and environmental research projects, with a focus on electric power generation, alternative fuels, and to investigate related energy reduction strategies and environmental impacts. In addition, the funding will support creating the Energy Systems Institute and a partnership with Northampton Community College's Electrotechnology Applications Center to recommend energy efficiencies for Pennsylvania businesses.