Fusion Energy Pioneer Named to the 2017 Canada Clean50

Market Wired September 20, 2016

List Recognizes General Fusion’s Chief Scientist as a Leader in Canadian Clean Technology

TORONTO, ON–(Marketwired – September 20, 2016) – The founder and Chief Scientist of Vancouver-based General Fusion, Dr. Michel Laberge, was named today as one of Canada’s Clean50 for 2017. The Clean50 award recognizes Canada’s leaders in sustainability and their role in transitioning to a low carbon future.

Dr. Laberge was recognized in the research and development category for his work on fusion energy. Fusion has the potential to be the ultimate carbon-free energy source with zero emissions, widely abundant fuel, no long-lived waste materials and at costs comparable to fossil fuels.

“In his pursuit of fusion energy, Michel and his company General Fusion have the potential to transform the energy landscape,” said the Clean50 announcement.

“Since 2002 General Fusion has transformed Canada into a leading commercial fusion development hub,” it continued, concluding: “Its technology leadership has also enhanced Canada’s reputation world-wide, something on which other Canadian clean tech companies capitalize when seeking talent or capital.”

“I am honoured to be chosen from among hundreds of nominees for inclusion in the Clean50,” said Dr. Laberge. “This recognizes the hard work and progress that the whole team at General Fusion has made toward a practical path to fusion energy.”

The Canada’s Clean50 honour is awarded annually to the 50 individual leaders and small teams who have contributed the most to enhancing sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the prior two years.

Dr. Laberge was also named as one of the 2017 Clean16, which recognizes the top achievers in each of the 16 award categories, for his work in research and development.

“The 2017 Clean16 are truly the leaders of the leaders in sustainability in Canada, said Gavin Pitchford, CTO of award organizer Delta Management Group. “To be selected from amongst such a strong group of peers is truly a testament to the contribution Michel Laberge has made to helping make Canada more sustainable for all Canadians.”

Now in its sixth year, the awards have recognized more than 300 individuals for their significant accomplishments and leadership.

Honorees are selected by corporate sustainability and clean tech search firm Delta Management Group with assistance from a distinguished team of advisors. Winners are chosen from over 500 nominees spanning 16 distinct categories.

In addition to advancing the science and commercial viability of fusion energy, Dr. Laberge has turned the public’s awareness to the potential for fusion energy to tackle climate change. His 2014 TED Talk about a practical pathway to fusion has drawn over 1 million views.

For more information about Canada’s Clean50 for 2017, visit www.clean50.com.

About General Fusion:
General Fusion is developing the fastest, most practical, and cost-effective path to commercial fusion energy. The company was established in 2002 and is supported by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital funds, industry leaders, and technology pioneers, including: Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital, Bezos Expeditions, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Cenovus Energy, Growthworks, Braemar Energy Ventures, BDC, Entrepreneurs Fund, SET Ventures, Sustainable Development Technology Canada, and NRC-IRAP.
www.generalfusion.com

About Delta Management Group / Canada’s Clean50:
Leading sustainability and clean tech search firm Delta Management Group in 2011 founded, and remains the steward of the Canada’s Clean50 awards, created to annually identify, recognize and connect 50 sustainability leaders from every sector of Canadian endeavour, in order to facilitate understanding, collaboration and innovation in the fight to keep climate change impacts below 1.5 degrees. Ancillary awards also recognize 10 Emerging Leaders and the Top 15 Sustainability Projects of the year.