PMO celebrates green energy projects across Canada

PM announces energy innovation projects across Canada

May 3, 2013
Quebec City, Quebec

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for 55 innovative new projects aimed at producing and using energy in a cleaner, more efficient way. Support is being provided through the Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative, which was introduced in Budget 2011, and is being led by Natural Resources Canada.

The Prime Minister was joined by Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), and Steven Blaney, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie.

“Our Government is positioning Canada as a global leader in the clean energy sector by supporting innovative projects across the country aimed at producing and using energy in a cleaner and more efficient way,” said the Prime Minister. “The research and development generated by the projects being announced today will also maintain and create jobs, while benefitting the environment.”

Of the 55 projects receiving support, 15 will be pre-commercialization demonstration projects to test the feasibility of various technologies, and 40 will be research and development projects to address knowledge gaps and bring technologies from the conceptual stage to the ready-to-be-tested stage of development. The projects will be undertaken in seven provinces and two territories and will focus on research in the following areas: energy efficiency; clean electricity and renewables; bioenergy; electrification of transportation; and, unconventional oil and gas.

The Prime Minister met with representatives of several of the companies receiving funding, including CO2 Solutions and AddÉnergie Technologies, both based in Quebec City. CO2 Solutions is receiving funding to support the research and development of an innovative method to more efficiently capture carbon dioxide in the oil sands, and AddÉnergie is receiving support for the development of its electrical vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative

May 3, 2013
Quebec City, Quebec

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in innovative clean energy technologies that create high-quality jobs, generate new economic opportunities and protect the environment. To this end, on May 3, 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced support of more than $82 million through Natural Resources Canada’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII) for 55 innovative projects across Canada. Of these, 15 will be pre-commercialization demonstration projects to test the feasibility of various technologies, and 40 will be research and development projects to address knowledge gaps and bring technologies from the conceptual stage to the ready-to-be-tested stage of development.
For all projects, funding provided by NRCan will be allocated from the date of signature of contribution agreements until March 31, 2016, the project end date.
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable environment through more than $10 billion in investments in green infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and the production of cleaner energy and cleaner fuels.

Demonstration Projects
Commercial Demonstration of a Management System for Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Networks
Lead Proponent: AddÉnergie Technologies Inc.
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Funding: $3,381,280
This project will demonstrate the operational viability of a network of different electric vehicles charging stations installed in multiple sites in Quebec and controlled by a centralized management system for its widespread deployment. The project also has the potential to expand to additional sites in other provinces.

Modular Compact Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Using Local Heterogeneous Biomass Wastes
Lead Proponent: Enerkem Inc.
Location: Westbury, Quebec, and Edmonton, Alberta
Funding: $2,913,000
The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a system to convert municipal solid waste into an energy rich gas that can fuel an engine to produce heat and electricity. This renewable form of energy could be used in remote and rural applications, such as northern communities, industries, and mine operations where it could replace the cost of shipping diesel fuel. Once deployed, the technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate employment in remote and rural communities.

Front End Engineering and Design Study: Whapmagoostui – Wind Hybrid Power Plant
Lead Proponent: Nimschu Iskudow Inc.
Location: Whapmagoostui, Northern Quebec
Funding: $700,275
This Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) study will be used to determine the technical and economic requirements of a proposed wind/biomass/battery hybrid system in northern conditions and to conduct an environmental assessment for the future demonstration project. The information and specific metrics defined from the FEED study will be used in the demonstration project to replace all or part of the existing diesel power plant that provides electricity requirements of a remote community in Northern Quebec.

Front End Engineering Design Study: Xstrata Nickel’s Raglan Renewable Electricity Micro-Grid and Smart-Grid Pilot Demonstration
Lead Proponent: TUGLIQ Energy Co.
Location: Nunavik, Quebec
Funding: $720,000
TUGLIQ Energy Co. and Xstrata Nickel, a large mining company, are interested in pursuing commercial development integrating wind energy into diesel-based electricity generation in Nunavik. The system would generate energy from wind and store surplus wind energy through hydrogen. This Front End Engineering and Design study will be used to determine the technical and economic requirements of a wind/storage/diesel hybrid system in northern conditions. An environmental assessment will also be completed.

Low Carbon Fuel Demonstration Pilot Plant
Lead Proponent: Lafarge Canada Inc.
Location: Bath, Ontario
Funding: $2,678,000
This project will be used to demonstrate the viability of lower carbon fuels as a partial replacement (up to 10 percent) for the pulverized coal/petroleum coke mix currently used at Lafarge’s plant in Bath. This includes processing the raw materials into a useful form, developing and installing an injection system, running fuel trials and compiling the results of the carbon savings resulting from this process.

Wasdell Falls Hydro Power Project
Lead Proponent: Coastal Hydropower Corp. (Wasdell Falls LP)
Location: Wasdell Falls, Ontario
Funding: $2,000,000
This project will demonstrate a 1.6 MW VLH^TM (Very Low Head) hydro turbine plant at Wasdell Falls. VLH^TM hydro plants are a reliable and economic alternative to conventional hydro technologies. The turbines are designed for water levels of less than five metres and that fit into existing water control systems.
The project will provide a basis to assess and address North American adaptation requirements including: seasonal flow variation monitoring, turbine efficiency testing, electrical adaptation, turbine extraction requirements, and domestic manufacturing requirements.

Integrated Urban Community Energy Project
Lead Proponent: Opus One Solutions Energy Corp.
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Funding: $5,317,600
The objective of this project is to develop a smart grid software/hardware platform to manage electricity generation, storage and resource demand at the distribution level, and demonstrate this solution on the Toronto Hydro distribution grid. It will address specific distribution grid challenges, such as how to operate seamlessly within the larger electrical grid system and how to successfully incorporate and manage high local quantities of distributed generation and electric vehicle charging. The desired outcomes of the project are: up to 15 electric vehicle charging stations being installed, electricity demand being offset from community energy storage; energy savings from energy efficiency improvements; and, greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Local Grid Technologies for Distributed Generation Monitoring and Control
Lead Proponent: Prolucid Technologies Inc.
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Funding: $1,500,000
This project will demonstrate new grid technologies that will enable the effective introduction and management of new renewable energy sources – such as solar, wind, and combined heat and power generation – onto the electricity grid. The system will aim to provide generators and grid operators with the ability to control and curtail generation, monitor the state of the power grid in real-time, and ultimately increase the renewable generation that can be connected to the grid.

Integrating Renewables and Conservation Measures in a Net-Zero Energy Low-Rise Residential Subdivision
Lead Proponent: Owens Corning Canada LP
Location: Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta
Funding: $1,962,870
The objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of building Net-Zero Energy Housing (NZEH) Communities in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. The idea behind a Net-Zero Energy home is that it produces at least as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis. The project will also help address the challenges in building to NZEH performance levels specific to production housing and to act as a platform for the broader adoption of NZEH across Canada.

Front End Engineering Design Study: Williston Basin Low Temperature Geothermal Demonstration
Lead Proponent: DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp.
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Funding: $1,042,242
This Front End Engineering and Design study will seek to determine the geothermal potential of a site in the Williston Basin in Southeast Saskatchewan. The full project would see the further development of the technologies required for low temperature geothermal power production.

Demonstration of Utility Grade Synthesis Gas Production Derived from Biomass Gasification
Lead Proponent: Nexterra Systems Corp.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Funding: $3,250,000
Nexterra has developed a gasification technology that processes low cost waste fuels, such as wood wastes, under controlled conditions to produce a synthesis gas (syngas) that can be used to produce heat and/or power or be further processed to produce chemicals. This project will help divert a small side-stream of the syngas from a wood waste gasifier and further process it to produce a 99 percent pure hydrogen gas that is suitable for injection into a natural gas pipeline. This could lead to a major breakthrough for the renewable hydrogen industry by addressing two key challenges: the lack of a reliable commercial biomass gasification and upgrading platform for hydrogen; and, the lack of standards for hydrogen injection into a natural gas pipeline.

Front End Engineering and Design Study: Dent Island Tidal Power Generation Project
Lead Proponent: Water Wall Turbine Inc.
Location: Lions Bay, British Columbia
Funding: $300,000
This Front End Engineering and Design study will help define the engineering and design requirements of a 500 kW floating tidal turbine system that could operate in remote areas along the British Columbia coastline. The study is expected to validate the merits of the Water Wall Turbine as a viable renewable energy technology, leading to commercialization and capture of the abundance of tidal and river stream energy sources. This technology could be used in the future to produce emission-free renewable electric power, particularly for remote communities, both in Canada and internationally. 

Front End Engineering and Design Study: Kwadacha Community Energy Project
Lead Proponent: BC Bioenergy Network Association
Location: Fort Ware, Northern British Columbia
Funding: $317,813 
The objective of this project is to assist a remote First Nation community switch from diesel fuels to the use of local biomass which would provide heat, power and economic benefits to the community via sales of electricity to BC Hydro, and a reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions. The Front End Engineering and Design study will help further define the capital costs and technology risks before advancing the full project.

Iqaluit Smart Grid
Lead Proponent: Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC)
Location: Iqaluit, Nunavut
Funding: $1,662,154
The objective of this project is to demonstrate Smart Grid technologies in a Northern environment. Rising fuel and maintenance costs are a major challenge for remote, off-grid Arctic communities where there is currently no practical alternative to diesel power generation. The expected outcome of the project is the first smart grid system operating in the Arctic. Lessons learned during the installation and operation of the system will be applicable in other arctic communities as well as in other parts of Canada. The Qulliq Energy Corporation operates in some of the harshest environmental conditions of any utility in the world. 

Front End Engineering Design Study: Yukon Bioenergy Demonstration Project
Lead Proponent: Yukon Energy Corporation
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Funding: $500,000
Exploring the potential of biomass energy production in the north offers the possibility of a local power supply, creation of a new and sustainable industry, as well as potential new jobs and business opportunities for First Nations communities. This Front End Engineering and Design study will aim to confirm the viability of electricity generation in Yukon using small-scale gasification technology and locally-derived biomass feedstock in the form of salvage or waste wood.

Research and Development (R&D) Projects
Carbon Storage Onshore Nova Scotia – Injection Site Characterization
Lead Proponent: Carbon Capture and Storage Research Consortium of Nova Scotia (CCSNS)
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Funding: $4,500,000
The goal of this project is to characterize and assess potential geologic sequestration formations in the Sydney sub-basin of Nova Scotia in order to assess the feasibility of a preferred site for onshore geological storage of CO₂.

Surface Containment Monitoring for Carbon Capture and Storage
Lead Proponent: St. Francis Xavier University
Location: Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Funding: $756,236
The objective of this project is to produce clear recommendations for surface Monitoring Verification and Accounting (MVA) for carbon capture and storage. MVA tools are used to track the location where CO₂ is injected, to ensure that injection and abandoned wells are not leaking, and to verify the quantity of CO₂ that has been injected underground. The project will also generate new data related to atmospheric MVA tools, done in differing ecotypes.

Reducing the Cost of In-stream Tidal Energy Generation through Comprehensive Hydrodynamic Site Assessment
Lead Proponent: Acadia University
Location: Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Funding: $1,630,112
This project consists of a comprehensive and innovative site assessment at three tidal energy development sites with a view to determining the configuration and design of an optimal turbine array, which minimizes the cost of the electricity produced. The assessment of the sites will not only focus on greatest energy potential, but will also consider the engineering, construction and operational costs associated with different tidal energy converter technologies. The results will be used to optimize the design of the arrays and to estimate the maintenance and operational costs for each site.

Enzymatic Technology for Efficient Carbon Capture from Oil Sands Operations
Lead Proponent: CO₂ Solutions Inc.
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Funding: $4,700,000
This project consists of developing an enzyme-based approach for low-cost carbon dioxide capture from industrial effluent emissions in the Alberta oil sands and elsewhere. CO₂ Solutions and its partners will optimize and validate the technology at large bench and pilot scale facilities with a view to capturing 90 percent of CO₂ from oil sands in situ production and upgrading operations. This is expected to result in cost savings of at least 25 percent compared to conventional carbon capture technology.

Plug and Play Building-Integrated Photovoltaic and Thermal (BIPV-T) Technologies
Lead Proponent: Montréal ZERO Inc.
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Funding: $522,170
The Building Integrated Photovoltaic and Thermal (BIPV-T) system is a technology which merges photovoltaic and thermal systems, simultaneously providing both electric and thermal energy. The goal of this project is to conceptualize, develop and test prototypes of BIPV-T collectors appropriate for cold climate housing and building applications. Montréal ZERO will work closely with industry partners, solar system installers and academic institutes to develop and field test BIPV-T systems. The results will help establish standardized BIPV-T modules for energy efficient housing and buildings.

Intelligent Net-Zero Energy Buildings
Lead Proponent: Concordia University
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Funding: $1,000,000
This project’s goal is to advance research that will facilitate widespread adoption of optimized net-zero energy buildings, suited to Canadian climatic conditions and construction practices, in key regions of Canada by 2030. This will involve a combination of systems and technologies, including integrated solar systems, high performance windows, short-term and seasonal thermal storage, heat pump systems, combined heat and power technologies, and smart controls.

High Efficiency Commercial Refrigeration Systems utilizing an Ejector
Lead Proponent: Carnot Refrigeration Inc
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec
Funding: $850,000 
The objective of this project is to improve the efficiency of large, commercial refrigeration systems, via energy recovery through the use of an ejector – a device driven by waste heat or heat from renewable sources, and directly activated by a thermal source to produce heating, cooling or refrigeration. This innovative project is a world first in the case of commercial refrigeration systems. The tests will be implemented in a Sobeys supermarket in Quebec.

Managing Energy Storage Capacities Dispersed in an Electrical Grid to Reduce the Effects of Renewable Energy Source Variability
Lead Proponent: La Corporation de l’École Polytechnique de Montréal
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Funding: $1,015,000
The objective of this project is to optimize techniques to address the complex control problems associated with distributed storage unit management in power grids. The main output will be a software program that simulates how this distributed control system will operate in a realistic communication and power grid environment. Once the research project is complete, all the algorithms will be ready for the next development phase of testing and implementing with real power grid devices.

Lignin-to-Drop-In BioJetfuels and Chemicals
Lead Proponent: CRB Innovations Inc.
Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec
Funding: $1,000,000
The objective of this project is to show that lignin – a complex organic polymer deposited in the cell walls of many plants – can be isolated to produce useful products. This project intends to scale up (to a pilot-scale) a novel catalytic technology to converting lignin into drop-in bioJetfuels as well as other value-added biomass-derived chemicals.

Innovative Biomass Supply Chain Solutions for Commercial and Institutional Heating Plants Used in the Forestry Sector
Lead Proponent: Quebec Federation of Forestry Cooperatives
Location: Ste-Foy, Quebec
Funding: $700,000
The objective of this project is to analyze and compare different supply chains for forest biomass used for bioenergy in local heating plants and within forest communities. This will be realized by analyzing current knowledge of the supply chains and technologies; conducting field trials to validate models and fill knowledge gaps that are identified; and, developing a decision making tool to help increase adoption of such systems within the forestry sector.

Biomass-rich Waste Conversion into Drop-in Fuels
Lead Proponent: Enerkem Inc.
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Funding: $1,099,870
The objective of this project is to research and develop catalytic processes to convert synthesis gas obtained from thermal gasification of municipal solid waste into “drop-in” renewable fuels, which are completely interchangeable with hydrocarbon fuels, and which could ultimately displace conventional gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
The proposed research will enable the proponent to accelerate the implementation of its biofuels and bioproducts strategy, initially in Quebec and Alberta, but gradually expanding to other regions of the country.

Development of a Pilot-scale Supercritical-CO₂ Brayton Cycle Demonstration Loop
Lead Proponent: Carleton University, Mechanical Engineering
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Funding: $1,440,000
The objective of this project is to construct a 50-250 kW pilot-scale supercritical-carbon dioxide (S-CO₂) Brayton Cycle Demonstration Loop for use in future, high efficiency fossil fuel-based or renewable energy based electricity generation systems. This project is part of a broad research program, conducted around the world, to develop next generation electricity generation technology, including cleaner coal technology, which could be used in combination with carbon capture and storage systems.

Integrated Air to Water Heat Pump System for Domestic Hot Water and Space Heating for Low Energy and Net-Zero Energy Housing
Lead Proponent: SUMARAN Inc.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Funding: $865,000
The objective of this project is to conduct research and development on integrated air source heat pumps that can operate efficiently at very low temperatures and provide domestic hot water, as well as space heating and cooling. The heat pumps will use state-of-the-art compressors, refrigerants and lubricants and larger coils that can significantly expand their operating range. To support market adoption of this technology, computer models of the heat pump performance will be developed and integrated into design and energy simulation software, and design guidelines for the zoning of air distribution will be developed.

Canada-Israel Energy Science and Technology Fund
Lead Proponent: Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Funding: $5,000,000
The project establishes the Canada-Israel Energy Science and Technology Fund, which will enable both countries to pursue further cooperation to advance shared energy interests and will support high-quality scientific research partnerships. These collaborations will spur the development of innovative energy technologies and processes to enable the responsible development of unconventional oil and gas resources, including applications to address environmental challenges. They will also consider initiatives on other critical energy sources of interest to both Canada and Israel.

Direct-Current Arc-Free Circuit Breaker for Utility-Grid Battery Storage System
Lead Proponent: University of Toronto
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Funding: $560,000
The objective of this project is to conduct research and development on novel direct-current circuit breaker technology for fast protection and/or isolation of utility-grade battery storage systems. It will target a lithium-ion based battery system, and will research and develop two promising and conceptually different circuit breaker technologies with a target of establishing proof of concept.

Assessing Forest Biomass as a Bioenergy Feedstock: The Availability and Recovery of Biomass in Uneven-aged Forests
Lead Proponent: University of Toronto, Faculty of Forestry
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Funding: $300,000
This project focuses on the development of forestry feedstock supply for the production of bioenergy. It will combine forest inventory data and biomass harvesting trials to develop a “Biomass Opportunity and Supply” model that will be able to estimate both the availability and recovery of biomass in uneven-aged forests of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region. This model will be made available as part of FPInterface, a decision support tool that simulates the supply chain of forest operations. The project will provide the energy and forestry sectors with a new toolkit to estimate both the availability and recovery of unused biomass.

Developing Electrical Safety Standards to Introduce Electric Vehicles into Canada
Lead Proponent: Canadian Standards Association
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Funding: $1,836,800
The objective of this project is to deliver a series of safety standards and protocols related to the supply and storage of electricity for electric vehicles through: the establishment and updating of Canadian standards for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE); the development and harmonization of EVSE product requirements for North America; and, the establishment, harmonization and adoption of standards at an international level. These activities will allow Canada to leverage the technical expertise of the international community and establish Canada as a leader in the global electric vehicle community.

VB (Virtual Blade) Wind Power
Lead Proponent: GTRenergy Ltd.
Location: Oakville, Ontario
Funding: $600,000
The objective of this project is to address technical risks associated with moving a new wind turbine blade technology, VB Wind, from the laboratory into the field through the completion of a 5 kW field trial and a 65 kW design. The concept of VB Wind Power involves using a novel configuration of turbine blades that could provide an increase in energy production over conventional blades. The project will confirm whether this increase can be achieved in the field, and will further expand knowledge of VB Wind technology and related testing methods. It will also identify further research and development needs before VB Wind technology proceeds with a full scale demonstration.

Kortright Energy Yield Test Standard
Lead Proponent: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Funding: $1,065,609
The objective of this project is to evaluate the applicability and efficacy of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s technical standard on Photovoltaic (PV) module performance testing and energy rating methodology. The intent of this standard is to provide a more accurate and representative power and energy rating to PV modules that can be applied to a range of environmental conditions, and utilized for improved energy yield predictions and integration of renewables back to the grid.

Development of a Utility Grade Controller for Remote Microgrids with High Penetration Renewable Generation
Lead Proponent: Hatch Ltd.
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Funding: $1,985,988
The objective of this project is to develop a commercially viable controller for the electricity distribution system in a remote community. The controller performance will be rigorously tested at the University of Toronto and on physical equipment to replicate a small remote electrical grid. The controller will be used to manage diesel and renewable generators, and storage for the most economical operation of the grid while also ensuring power quality. The project also includes thorough feasibility and system planning studies, in collaboration with the Kasabonika Lake First Nation community.

Improved Fluxless Aluminum Brazing Materials and Process Technology for Manufacturing of Advanced Battery Cooling Heat Exchangers
Lead Proponent: Dana Canada Corporation
Location: Oakville, Ontario
Funding: $1,864,069
Improved thermal characteristics of lithium ion batteries is a critical need for battery life and operating reliability, and is a key enabler for market adoption of battery and hybrid electric vehicles. The project’s objective is to improve the thermal characteristics of battery systems, while reducing costs and improving efficiencies.

Development of Thick Film Electric Heaters for Thermal Modulation of Battery Systems
Lead Proponent: Dana Canada Corporation
Location: Oakville, Ontario
Funding: $1,192,765
Lithium-ion batteries used in battery and hybrid electric vehicles must operate in a narrow temperature range to maintain efficiency, durability and reliability. The project’s objective is to develop sol gel thick film electric heaters and integrate them directly into battery cooling heat exchangers, which will improve the battery system performance of electric and plug-in electric vehicles when operating in low temperature conditions.

High Energy Density Energy Storage for Automotive Applications
Lead Proponent: University of Waterloo
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Funding: $1,870,000
Today’s electric vehicles are limited by driving range and cost, both of which greatly depend on the electric vehicle’s battery pack. The objective of this project is to develop advanced energy materials based on nanotechnology concepts for high energy density storage.

Electric Mobility Adoption and Prediction Tool
Lead Proponent: The Pollution Probe Foundation
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Funding: $1,025,125
The objective of this project is to conduct research to generate information on anticipated Electric Vehicle (EV) usage. It will assess local grid capacity and assist utilities in strategically planning for the successful deployment of EVs in Canada. The project will focus on the areas being serviced by five private utilities in varied urban centres: four in Ontario and one in Alberta. The project will provide a predictive analysis tool that may be used by other utilities and municipalities intending to develop future strategies to address the integration of EVs.

Canadian Hydrokinetic Turbine Test Centre
Lead Proponent: University of Manitoba
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Funding: $2,500,000
This project will support the development of Canada’s hydrokinetic industry – which aims to harness energy from ocean waves, tides, and river currents – contributing to the development of a new calibrated and grid-connected hydrokinetic test site on the Winnipeg River in Manitoba. The test site will allow hydrokinetic turbine manufacturers to test turbine systems fully integrated on to the grid. The project will also assist in accelerating Canada’s development of hydrokinetic turbine technologies by addressing the identified pre-commercialization needs contained in the Canadian Marine Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap.

Advanced Liquid Desiccant Air Handling System
Lead Proponent: Venmar CES, Inc.
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Funding: $1,388,000
The objective of this project is to develop a commercially-viable advanced liquid desiccant air handling system known as a smart Air Conditioning system. This project will involve building prototype units and conducting field tests to observe, measure and understand the performance and reliability of these types of systems.
The project will specifically: develop system control techniques; conduct research into methods to incorporate sources of low grade heat such, as solar thermal or other renewable energy sources or waste heat, for desiccant conditioning and regeneration; and, conduct research into manufacturing techniques to mass produce a Liquid to Air Membrane Energy Exchanger.

Alberta CO2 Purity Project (ACPP)
Lead Proponent: Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Funding: $525,000
The objective of this project is to fill a crucial knowledge gap by establishing whether the presence of impurities affects an integrated CO₂ Capture and Storage (CCS) system. ACPP is a first-of-its-kind assessment of CO₂ purity that examines all aspects of an integrated CCS system, including capture, transport via the pipeline, enhanced oil recovery, and direct CO₂ storage or sequestration.
The project will develop a detailed techno-economic model populated with derived data that can analyze system scenarios to determine the effects of impurities and optimize purity levels across integrated CCS infrastructure. This work, to be completed in Alberta, will establish purity recommendations that can be utilized by regulators, academia and industry in Alberta, Canada, and jurisdictions across the globe.

Identification of Options for CO₂ Storage in the Athabasca Area
Lead Proponent: Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Funding: $550,000
The objective of this project is to identify characterize and evaluate the CO₂ storage capacity in Devonian deep-saline aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs in an area of 130 000 km² that meets the following conditions: depth greater than 1,000 metres as required by Alberta legislation; sufficient storage capacity; sufficient injectivity to allow storage at the rate that CO₂ is being supplied; and, secure containment (i.e., no CO₂ migration or leakage potential into strata shallower than 1,000 metres). Oil reservoirs in the region will also be evaluated in terms of their suitability for CO₂enhanced oil recovery and potential incremental oil production.

Community Integrated Energy Mapping Feasibility Study: Gateway to Alberta’s Energy Demand and Supply – Phase 1: Data Collection Methodology
Lead Proponent: Climate Change Central
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Funding: $500,000
The objective of this project is to develop a methodology for the identification, assessment and measurement of waste heat sources from process industries. The initial study will use the Alberta Industrial Heartland near Edmonton, and the methodology will be transferable to other regions and industries.

Applying Duplex Wave Migration (DWM) and Seismic Modelling Technology to Delineate Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage process Steam Chambers and Reduce CO2 Emissions.
Lead Proponent: TetraSeis Inc.
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Funding: $966,000
The objective of this project is to determine the potential of a new seismic data processing technique of structures that are almost vertical. This technique will improve the efficiency of the steam assisted gravity drainage process used to extract oil from the Alberta Oil Sands. The technology has the potential to permit a more accurate mapping of less depleted bitumen regions in the reservoir and therefore identify where steam should be injected. It is estimated that energy costs for natural gas used in producing steam, and related environmental impacts, could be reduced by approximately 20 percent through the application of this technology.

Fundamentals of Non-Aqueous Extraction of Oil Sands
Lead Proponent: University of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Funding: $998,000
The objective of this project is to investigate the key chemical and physical interactions that control the non-aqueous extraction of bitumen from the Canadian oil sands. Non-aqueous extraction using solvents has the potential to replace the current hot-water extraction technology. Successful application of this technology would eliminate the tailings ponds, and the resulting environmental liability and risk, and substantially reduce the energy consumption for the extraction process, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Dewatering Wet Tailings Generated From Oil Sands Extraction
Lead Proponent: University of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Funding: $859,000
This project addresses technological challenges surrounding the use of polymers in achieving fast settling and accelerated consolidation of oil sands tailings. It will provide technological solutions to assist in the effort to solve the problems associated with oil sands tailings dewatering, consolidation, impoundment and reclamation. 

Understanding Oil Sands Tailings Treatment at Nano, Micro and Macro-Scales with Increased Water Recycling/Reuse
Lead Proponent: University of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Funding: $377,200 
The purpose of this project is to conduct detailed investigations on the basic interaction mechanisms among clay particles, water, ions and bitumen and on the water chemistry in oil sands tailings at the nano, micro and macro scales. From these studies, the project aims to develop high-efficiency, economical and environmentally-friendly polymer flocculants based on natural macromolecules. The proposed research addresses the oil sands tailings treatment and associated water management initiatives and will contribute to the continued and sustainable development of the oil sands and other mineral resources in Canada.

Submerged Combustion Vaporizer for Heating and Pressurizing Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
Lead Proponent: Combustions Solutions Inc.
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Funding: $997,000
The objective of this project is to confirm that untreated non-potable and saline water can be used to make steam for the purpose of heating an oil sands or heavy oil reservoir, thereby reducing Canada’s use of fresh water supplies in the oil sands. This aims to assess and improve the efficiency of the Submerged Combustion Vaporizer process, and ensure that all the heat energy available in combustion products can be employed for the recovery of hydrocarbons.

Low Grade Heat Driven Produced Water Treatment
Lead Proponent: Saltworks Technologies Inc.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Funding: $1,000,000
The objective of this project is to develop and test a low energy technology for treating waste water in the Canadian oil sands industry. The technology employs proprietary technology, which operates on humidification-dehumidification principles producing freshwater and solid salts from oil sands waste water. It provides a zero liquid discharge alternative to expensive and energy intensive evaporators and crystallizers.

Thermoacoustic Cogeneration Engine Development
Lead Proponent: Etalim Inc.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Funding: $1,402,550
Etalim Inc. is developing a new and groundbreaking device that converts any fuel or heat source to electricity, with high efficiency and simplicity. Etalim’s technology is a new type of external combustion engine  that converts heat into acoustic power and then into electricity. This project will serve to further develop the technology from a laboratory prototype to a pre-commercial beta unit capable of multi-fuel operation.

Integrated Approach to Development of a High Efficiency Energy Recovery and Intelligent Ventilation System
Lead Proponent: dPoint Technologies
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Funding: $718,694
The purpose of this project is to improve energy consumption and indoor air quality of buildings using an integrated approach to the design of Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) exchangers, ventilation systems, and controls systems. A high efficiency energy recovery system would significantly reduce electricity use, natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Canadian buildings. The technology developed could be applied to all types of buildings in Canada including houses, apartments, hospitals, schools, industrial, and commercial buildings.

West Coast Wave Initiative
Lead Proponent: University of Victoria
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Funding: $1,682,500
The objective of this project is to develop a precise description of the raw wave energy resources available in Canada; the potential of wave energy converters (WECs) to harness that resource; and, the means to incorporate that converted power in electrical grids. The project will focus on the West Coast of Vancouver Island – a strategic region for wave energy – and will develop a low cost numerical test bed for WECs in the region. The performance data collected will be used to consider means for wave energy integration at multiple scales. 

Development of Codes and Standards for Marine Energy Converters
Lead Proponent: Marine Renewables Canada Society
Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia
Funding: $1,000,000
This project is primarily focused on maintaining and enhancing Canada’s participation in the development of international standards and technical specifications for renewable marine energy conversion systems. The Canadian marine renewable energy industry has played a leading and active role in the development of International Standards through the International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 114 for “Marine Energy – Wave, Tidal and other Water Current Energy Converters” since 2007.
Production and Conversion of Biorefinery Cellulose to Advanced Fuels, Biochemicals and Biomaterials
Lead Proponent: Lignol Innovations Ltd.
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia
Funding: $1,100,000
The objective of this project is to enhance the proponent’s biorefinery process technology, which will be used to produce advanced biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials from non-food cellulosic biomass feedstocks. Specifically, this project will address technical gaps which currently hinder the commercial-scale conversion of cellulose into commercial products.
The proponent has established a technology centre in Burnaby, British Columbia, which consists of a fully integrated pilot-scale biorefinery, as well as a state of the art research and development lab, staffed by highly skilled scientists, engineers and technologists.

 

The Prime Minister’s Office – Communications