UBC Okanagan School of Engineering and FortisBC celebrate a decade of partnership and impact
It was a day not only to celebrate innovation in clean energy research, but to recognize that the future is in good hands.
Leaders from UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering and FortisBC recently gathered to mark more than a decade of meaningful collaboration and impact.
The event brought together researchers, students and partners to reflect on a relationship defined not only by investment, but by shared purpose—advancing applied research, supporting student learning and delivering practical solutions for British Columbia’s evolving energy landscape.
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A partnership rooted in purpose
In her opening remarks, Dr. Suzie Currie, Vice-Principal and Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation, spoke to the importance of partnerships in advancing both research excellence and real-world outcomes.
“What we have built together goes well beyond funding. It is a relationship grounded in shared purpose—a commitment to innovation, sustainability and community impact. The impact is tangible here in our region, across British Columbia, and increasingly on a global stage.”
Dr. Currie emphasized that partnerships like FortisBC’s expand what’s possible—supporting applied research in clean and smart energy systems, hydrogen and carbon solutions, while shaping the next generation of engineers through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.
Remarks from FortisBC leadership reinforced this shared vision. CEO Roger Dall’Antonia and Vice President Energy Supply and Resource Development Joe Mazza spoke to FortisBC’s pride in working alongside UBC Okanagan—highlighting the value of advancing meaningful, applied research with tangible impact in the communities they serve.
Joe Mazza, FortisBC’s Vice President Energy Supply and Resource Development
Over the past ten years, the partnership has generated significant impact:
- $3.14M invested by FortisBC
- $3.4 million leveraged through matching partners such as MITACS
- 52 students trained
- 73 scholarly publications
- 26 industry collaborations supported
As the School of Engineering’s Director of Research & Industry Partnerships Colin Wilson noted, these numbers tell only part of the story. Behind them is a growing ecosystem connecting industry, academia and community to tackle complex energy and sustainability challenges together.
“We are deeply grateful to FortisBC for its investment and partnership. What it enables our professors and instructors to do is nothing short of amazing. It’s game-changing. And there is no better illustration than the success of our highly trained students—and the young people gaining early STEM experiences through FortisBC’s support,” said Wilson.
Advancing research for a clean energy future
Dr. Kasun Hewage, UBCO Civil Engineering Professor and FortisBC Smart Energy Chair
Attendees heard from leading UBC Okanagan researchers whose work has been enabled—and amplified—through this partnership.
Dr. Kasun Hewage, FortisBC Smart Energy Chair, highlighted research advancing lifecycle thinking in infrastructure, smart cities and net-zero energy systems—developing tools and frameworks to guide sustainable urban development.
Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff (H2 Lab Phase 1 & 2) shared progress on hydrogen systems research, including blending, storage and safety—key to supporting British Columbia’s transition to low-carbon energy.
Dr. Dimitry Sediako (H2 Lab Phase 3) showcased advancements in hydrogen materials and infrastructure, including testing capabilities to better understand hydrogen embrittlement in pipelines.
Dr. Lukas Bichler (H2 Lab Phase 4) explored emerging applications of hydrogen-derived materials, including solid carbon for industrial uses, while building collaborations with First Nations and global partners.
Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated, multi-phase research ecosystem building capacity, infrastructure and knowledge for a clean energy future.
Inspiring the next generation
FortisBC’s support is helping UBCO expand its Geering Up program for youth
The partnership’s impact extends well beyond research labs.
Through FortisBC’s support of Geering Up Engineering outreach, hundreds of youth and educators have engaged in hands-on STEM experiences—building confidence, curiosity and pathways into engineering.
This support has expanded camps, workshops and outreach programs across the region, including initiatives like Go ENG Girl and programming with Indigenous communities, most recently with the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Attendees also experienced a live Geering Up demonstration, where the team created an edible water bottle—an engaging example of how energy, physics and fun come together for young learners.
Geering Up Program Assistant Manager Adam Cornford noted:
“A huge thank you to FortisBC. These programs are bringing energy conservation and efficiency education to more learners across the region. It’s helping build confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging.”
A partnership that builds people, not just projects
Closing the event, School of Engineering Director Dr. Will Hughes reflected on what makes the partnership truly distinctive.
“What we have heard today is more than a list of projects or milestones. This is a transformative partnership. It’s locally rooted, grounded in the needs of this region, and creating impact far beyond it.”
He emphasized its generational impact:
“Through your support, FortisBC is helping us build not only knowledge, but capacity, talent and momentum: the engineers who will shape our communities, industries and clean energy future.”
Looking ahead
As UBC Okanagan and FortisBC look to the future, the foundation built over the past decade offers a powerful platform for continued collaboration.
It is a partnership defined not only by what has been achieved, but by what is still possible—measured not just in dollars, but in meaningful impact on people and place.