University of Calgary receives support to develop and promote clean technology

Two University of Calgary research projects that support the development of clean technologies in Alberta will receive support from the federal government. At a news conference held at the university’s downtown campus on Wednesday, Dec. 20, an investment of almost $3.5 million toward eight Calgary-wide projects was announced. The announcement was made by Kent Hehr, minister of sport and persons with disabilities, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development and minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.

“The Government of Canada believes that world-leading research organizations like the University of Calgary and CMC Research Institutes Inc. are positioning Canada at the forefront of clean technology innovation,” Hehr said. “Investments in these institutions are helping to transition Canada to a low-carbon economy while promoting economic growth and creating high-quality jobs for Canadians.”

As part of this announcement, the University of Calgary will receive $714,500 to support two projects. Advancing Solar Technology to Create Renewable Products and Electricity is led by professor Marc Strous, Campus Alberta Innovation Program Chair, Energy Bioengineering Group, and assistant chemistry professor Greg Welch, who specializes in clean energy and organic chemistry in the Faculty of Science. The University of Calgary Centre for Smart Emissions Sensing Technologies is led by Chris Hugenholtz, associate professor of geography in the Faculty of Arts.

University of Calgary professors Bernhard Mayer and Cathy Ryan, from the Faculty of Science, are also heavily involved with a third project being led by CMC Research Institutes Inc. This project supports the development of state-of-the-art technology for methane emissions monitoring in water, soil and the atmosphere.

“This investment from the Government of Canada will enable our researchers to test ideas, apply solutions, and develop cutting-edge applications at scales that will accelerate deployment and adoption by industry. These projects pave the way for Canadian industry to expand and develop new business opportunities in clean tech, and enhance Canada’s position as a global energy leader,” says Ed McCauley, vice-president (research). “The University of Calgary has the capacity needed to tackle the challenge of eliminating reliance on non-renewables, and we have the proximity to energy corporations, decision makers, and technology users to effect real change.”

Located in the heart of Canada’s energy sector, the University of Calgary has built a reputation as a global leader in energy research and innovation. With a focus on our low-carbon future, diverse teams are also assessing the effects of energy-related processes while harnessing unconventional hydrocarbon resources through the Energy Innovations for Today and Tomorrow research strategy.