The University Of Calgary has established a new geothermal energy laboratory, the goal of this new institution being to help remove barriers to economic geothermal development in Canada by engaging players across academia, industry and government.
Headed by Dr. Roman Shor, PhD, the new lab will have a holistic approach to geothermal development in everything from social acceptance to sustainable systems. This will be accomplished by harnessing the expertise of the research team, including extensive experience in oil and gas research. Shor firmly believes that the launch of the lab is about more than just science.
“Geothermal energy is considered one of the world’s highest-potential, baseload, zero-carbon energy sources, yet it currently comprises a tiny fraction of the global energy supply. With a major $40-million investment, pilot projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a new hybrid gas-geothermal project started at Swan Hills, Alberta, the potential is starting to be realized. “We can help ensure that regulatory bodies consider the research and development directions being taken by industry players so that they are ready to enable development once field trials or field developments start,” says Shor.
“He adds the team already has a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance grant with Calgary-based start-up Eavor Technologies in review, and is exploring a second grant with another industry partner.
While still in its infancy, this vision is coming to fruition via “Geothermal Anywhere” an initiative proposed by both the Canadian and American governments. This paired with the fact that Shor’s team is comprised of researchers from the Schulich School of Engineering, and the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Science, puts the University of Calgary at the leading edge of geothermal development.
Shor and his team have a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (MSERC) Alliance grant with Eavor Technologies . He adds the team already has a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance grant with Calgary-based start-up Eavor Technologies in review, and is exploring a second grant with another industry partner.
In a recent interview with Energi Media’s Markham Hislop, Dr. Shor covers the in’s and out’s of the new facilities goals and touches on the Eavor-Lite closed loop geothermal system as being not only one of the first pilot projects in Alberta, but one that ready’s the technology in a way for full economical development for the future. A future that the University of Calgary’s new geothermal energy lab makes truly tangible and all the brighter.
For more information, check out this video interview with Dr. Roman Shor, PhD
