TORONTO, ONTARIO – In response to the urgent need for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding clean energy sector, Humber Polytechnic has launched its School of Clean Energy, within the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology.
As global electricity demand surges - driven by AI, data centres, and widespread electrification - Ontario must more than double its electricity generation capacity by 2050. From COP28, climate change commitments from nearly 200 countries continue to collectively increase renewable energy capacity and improve energy efficiency. With COP30 starting today, organizations must work to accelerate innovation across the clean energy economy.
“The time for implementation has arrived, which is why we are launching the School for Clean Energy now. We can’t have all these climate and net zero goals without building a workforce that can meet the moment,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber Polytechnic. “Humber is positioning our students to become leaders, innovators, and disruptors in this evolving industry as we build on our long-standing commitment to developing industry-responsive programs and facilities.”
Humber’s School of Clean Energy reflects the sector’s interdisciplinary nature, bringing together Skilled Trades, Engineering and Information & Communication Technology (ICT). Learners will gain hands-on experience in emerging technologies such as nuclear and renewable energy, smart grids, battery storage, cybersecurity, quantum and AI-driven energy optimization systems.
Recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for ten consecutive years, Humber is committed to the highest standards of sustainability and climate action and is on track to reach Net Zero by 2029. The School of Clean Energy will leverage Humber’s award-winning campus as a living lab, offering applied learning experiences.
“The future of work is changing, and this new educational hub is designed to provide our learners with the edge they’ll need to succeed in high-demand fields,” said Francis Syms, associate dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, and the newly appointed Head of the School of Clean Energy at Humber Polytechnic.
Humber’s leadership in the clean energy transition is embedded in all operations and strategic partnerships. These include collaborations with the Canadian Nuclear Association to meet the growth of Canada’s nuclear workforce and with Siemens Canada to develop a Sustainable Microgrid and Renewable Technology (SMART) Lab at Humber’s North Campus. These partnerships create opportunities for Humber learners across disciplines - from engineering and skilled trades to safety, policy, and innovation - while helping address one of Canada’s most pressing challenges: building the workforce for a net-zero future.
Visit Humber’s School of Clean Energy webpage for more information.
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About Humber Polytechnic
Humber is Canada’s competitive advantage. Like the world around us, we’re constantly in motion, creating a new expectation for education, while helping solve Canada’s wicked productivity problem. More than just a place to learn, it’s a place to belong. Offering the largest depth and breadth of programming to more than 76,000 learners, Humber is pioneering innovative and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. With the support of our deep-rooted industry connections, dedicated faculty, and amazing staff, at Humber, we build brilliance every single day. Visit humber.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Chad Derrick
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber Polytechnic
chad.derrick@humber.ca / 416.729.8940