Bécancour, February 15, 2024, PRESS RELEASE – During a press conference held at the Bécancour Industrial and Port Park Corporation, Alain Lemieux, General Director of the Energy Transition Valley (VTE), presented its achievements, its management team, and its priorities for implementing the innovation zone.
For the occasion, the entire VTE team was present, including Pierre Ducharme, chairman of the board; Guillaume Parenteau, vice president of business development; Fanie V. Thibeault, vice president of government and international affairs; Michèle Landry, vice president of living environment and partnerships; Clément Villemont, vice president of knowledge and innovation environment; Cédrick Lalaizon, strategic advisor for special projects and the France-Québec exchange corridor; Alexia Selin, executive assistant; as well as the three leaders of the scientific committee, Karim Zaghib for the batteries sector, François Allard for the electrification of transportation sector, and Bruno G. Pollet for the industrial-port decarbonization and hydrogen sector.
Background
On May 29, 2023, the government of Quebec officially designated the Innovation Zone of the Energy Transition Valley (VTE), whose mission is to accelerate energy transition and reduce environmental footprint within urban, industrial, and port environments. Aiming to become a global hub for research and innovation in decarbonization and energy transition, the VTE relies on three key sectors, namely the battery industry, electrification of transportation, as well as hydrogen and industrial-port decarbonization, which are respectively deployed in the innovation hubs of Bécancour, Shawinigan, and Trois-Rivières. The VTE is supported by a rich and coordinated knowledge ecosystem that enables it to position itself as a leader in research, education, and industrialization in technological innovation.
Mandate, Objectives, and Achievements
Mr. Pierre Ducharme, chairman of the board of directors of the VTE, indicated that the foundations of an innovation zone are based on an attractive living environment and a knowledge environment closely aligned with the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors. He mentioned that the commitment statement of the VTE revolves around a collective project aimed at driving energy transition for the benefit of Quebec and Canadian society, with the utmost respect for the environment.
Mr. Alain Lemieux reiterated the mission, mandate, and key objectives of the VTE, which include bringing together the strengths of innovation hubs, fostering cross-sectoral expertise focused on key sectors of energy transition, and creating infrastructure and an ecosystem conducive to research and innovation. He highlighted the achievements of the VTE, including a workforce study and studies on the development and implementation of future innovation centers. He also emphasized the establishment of strategic partnerships with high-caliber international actors over the past year.
Priorities for 2024
The VTE has reached a new milestone with the establishment of its management team. The General Director and his team have presented the priorities and actions that will be implemented in the coming months in consultation, collaboration, and alignment with the stakeholders of the three innovation hubs.
Regarding the business development aspect, one of VTE’s significant priorities will be to stimulate the growth and development of the zone by fostering the attraction of innovative companies in energy transition. A particular focus will be placed on identifying emerging trends in the three key sectors of the innovation zone to maximize its impact. Close collaboration with businesses will be a priority to support their expansion, promote innovation, and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem around the themes targeted by the zone.
The VTE will work towards developing a dynamic, attractive, inclusive, and sustainable living environment. In collaboration with regional stakeholders, it will contribute to land use planning and infrastructure development while prioritizing important issues such as workforce, housing, mobility, health, and sustainable development. It will also act as a liaison with the cultural, recreational, and tourism sectors to showcase regional assets and create a fertile and innovative zone.
The VTE will lead a scientific committee with the support of the three sector leaders to establish a comprehensive scientific program and gather top researchers around it. It will ensure the alignment of all knowledge stakeholders. Additionally, it will coordinate a call for proposals with the Quebec Research Fund (FRQ) for the implementation of structuring projects of excellence, inter-order, and interdisciplinary in the thematic areas of the zone. The VTE will be active with governmental actors and municipal bodies to ensure that its interests are considered in policy decisions and international collaborations. It will address various issues of public policy and funding.
Finally, the VTE team will deploy special projects to support innovation centers and will oversee the management of a France-Quebec corridor.
Photo credit : MARIE-ÈVE VEILLETTE, Le Courrier Sud
Quote
“Guided by an impulse for change, the VTE aims to accelerate energy transition by mobilizing stakeholders and promoting innovative solutions for the benefit of the community, with respect, openness, inclusion, responsibility, and collaborative action. The innovation zone will have regional roots and provincial, national, and international influence.” Alain Lemieux, General director of the VTE, and Pierre Ducharme, chairman of the board of directors of the VTE.
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Source
Alain Lemieux, General director, VTE
Email : info@zivte.com
Phone : 819 244-6929 (VTE)