Canadian gas industry research is being turned over to the GasResearch Institute. GRI’s newly created Canadian subsidiary, GRICanada, has been selected by Gas Technology Canada to manage a $5million/year research, development and commercialization program.All current GTC programs will be transferred to GRI, along with thecurrent program directors.

Nearly half of the existing program revenues are allocated fornatural gas vehicle development, with the balance divided amongindustrial, environmental and HVAC/appliance research. The newefforts will focus on offering Canadian companies an expanded rangeof investment options.

GRI will offer a choice of funding-specific programs withparticipation limited to Canadian companies, including acontinuation of existing programs and introduction of new programstailored to Canadian market and operational issues. It also willoffer opportunities to initiate Canadian-directed programs that arebeneficial to the overall North American market and to leverageCanadian funding through programs marketed to specific U.S.companies. Such programs could be included in the new GRI Selectline of business, which allows companies to partner with GRI,Chicago, on proprietary technical activities. In addition, Canadianfirms will be given a chance to participate in and benefit fromGRI’s programs in the U.S. market.

Initially, GRI Canada will be governed by a three-member boardof directors composed of Robert Tessier, president and CEO, GazMetropolitain Inc., Montreal, Quebec; Bill Burnett, GRI senior vicepresident, RD&ampC Operations; and Vince Fiore, a managing directorof GRI who led the efforts to form GRI Canada and serves on itsboard.

©Copyright 1998 Intelligence Press, Inc. All rightsreserved. The preceding news report may not be republished orredistributed in whole or in part without prior written consent ofIntelligence Press, Inc.