The Department of State says Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, will collaborate with the China National Offshore Oil Corp. – New Energy Investment Co., Ltd. (CNOOC), to find solutions to significant energy and environmental issues. Through this EcoPartnership, the two organizations intend to research and develop methods for greater energy efficiency. Possible projects include improving energy use, distribution and storage; off-shore wind energy; and improving fuel cells.
Case Western Reserve is the first university to form a partnership with a Chinese company through the U.S.-China EcoPartnership, a program developed through the Framework for EcoPartnerships under the U.S.-China Ten Year Framework for Cooperation on Energy and Environment.
CNOOC, the third largest oil and gas company in China, is researching alternative energy, said David Fleshler, associate provost for international affairs. “We first met CNOOC in Beijing after being introduced by a member of the Chinese government. CNOOC was interested in creating a relationship with a U.S. university that had expertise and experience in renewable energy issues. CWRU’s history in this area—and the work taking place at the Great Lakes Energy Institute—convinced CNOOC we were the right partner.” David Zeng, chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, worked closely with CNOOC to help create the EcoPartnership, and Ye Fan Wang Glavin, who has a long association with Case Western Reserve, acted as a senior adviser to the partnership and university.
Case Western Reserve University
CWRU.edu
Case Western Reserve is the first university to form a partnership with a Chinese company through the U.S.-China EcoPartnership program.
The EcoPartnerships program brings together Chinese and U.S. entities from the public, private, and civic sectors to create mutual economic and environmental benefits.
Filed Under: Construction, News, Offshore wind, Projects