The University of Calgary announced a new $4.7-million research chair targeting energy-efficient means of upgrading bitumen, partnering with oil and gas producer Nexen Inc. to develop new ways to reduce oilsands' environmental impacts.
Funds for the Schulich School of Engineering program will be spread over five years, with Nexen contributing $320,000 per year to further research on upgrading technologies used at its Long Lake oilsands facility.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the energy and environment solutions branch of Alberta Innovates also partnered in the new research chair.
"Our goal is to make significant reductions in energy consumption, which means significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore, a reduction in the impact on our environment," said Dr. Pedro Pereira Almao, head of the research chair in catalysis for bitumen upgrading. "Upgrading is expected to become faster, cleaner and more economical."
Pereira Almao, an instructor at the school and director of the multidisciplinary In Situ Energy Centre, will be working with a team of 13 engineers and technicians at the university, building on methods pioneered by Nexen at its Long Lake oilsands facility.
Federal agency NSERC will contribute $320,000 per year over the course of the program's life, with Alberta Innovates contributing $300,000.
DOMEARA@CALGARYHERALD.COM