University of Regina research to provide greener solutions for future generations
From enhancing oil recovery processes, to developing low carbon technologies, to managing scarce resources on the Prairies, University of Regina researchers are paving the way to a more sustainable future.
It was Thomas Edison who famously said,
“the value of an idea lies in using it.”
Every day University of Regina researchers generate ideas and discover solutions to the pressing challenges that face our world. Their “light bulb” moments lead to intense study, and their knowledge and understanding advances research not only in Canada but around the world.
Researchers in the areas of engineering, applied science, and environmental studies, for example, are working with industry and community partners to make the best use of Canada’s natural resources, sustain and enhance energy systems and processes, and explore a forward-thinking transition to a low carbon energy future.
Focusing on allowing Canada to continue to benefit from its fossil fuel resources in an efficient way, Petroleum Systems Engineer Dr. Peter Gu is collaborating with the Petroleum Technology Research Centre’s Heavy Oil Research Network to examine methods to enhance heavy oil recovery during extraction. Not only does enhancing heavy oil recovery pump dollars into Canada’s economy, it maintains the industry and infrastructure currently in place. Long-term research plans for Dr. Gu include further development into oil recovery processes using thermal energy and solvents such as carbon dioxide to help release oil from rock.
At the same time, Dr. Hussam Ibrahim, director of the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI) is developing solutions to address future energy needs. He was the principal investigator and research lead for the design, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and testing of the University of Regina clean energy hydrogen and catalyst manufacturing pilot plants.
Additionally, his work – and the work of many researchers, collaborators and partners at CETRI – focuses on decarbonization and zero-emission hydrogen technologies, carbon dioxide capture and utilization, waste to renewable fuels and chemicals, smart modular reactors, and investigation into new policies based on these technologies as well as their public acceptance.
While CETRI’S work centres on developing future energy solutions, Dr. David Sauchyn’s work focuses on sustaining natural resources, developing systems for resource management, and adaptation to climate change. Dr. Sauchyn, director of the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC), is working to better understand long-term water risks and plan mitigation strategies for potential water scarcities. PARC’S mandate is scientific research that delivers practical and regionally relevant climate data, information and knowledge in support of adaptation to climate variability and change. PARC also provides university education and professional development in the emerging fields of climate change science and impact assessment.
Recently PARC, along with its partners, the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Prairie Climate Centre at the University of Winnipeg, launched Climatewest, a non-profit, regional hub that will deliver credible climate information, data, and adaptation guidance tailored to the Prairie region. Climatewest will work with people, communities, businesses, and governments across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to help address both the risks and opportunities generated by climate change.
Dr. Sauchyn and his research colleagues demonstrate national leadership by initiating and conducting large, interdisciplinary projects that apply cutting-edge technology to regional problems of international significance. Examples are longterm studies of climate change and hydrological cycles in prairie ecosystems, nitrogen pollution in lakes, impacts of energy industry on aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and the examination of natural and human activities on grassland, forest and aquatic habitats.
Like Thomas Edison, University of Regina researchers are making important discoveries that are contributing to the well-being of our citizens, the environment, and the planet.
Together, with partners, they are bringing ideas to life. And the future looks bright.