Mansell to lead ISEEE

University to ramp up research in energy,
environment and economy

IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS the University of Calgary will announce a number of initiatives advancing the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE).

In partnership with other universities, government, and industry, the Institute will enhance world-class interdisciplinary research, innovation and education focused on secure, competitive energy supplies for a clean environment and a strong economy.

The University of Calgary is ramping-up research in selected areas, particularly in areas related to improved recovery of conventional oil and gas, in situ recovery and in situ and field upgrading of oil sands and heavy oil, along with recovery of tight gas and coal bed methane; water, CO2 management and other environmental issues; alternative energy (hydrogen, bioenergy / bio products and fuel-cell technology); and, energy and environmental systems modelling, integration and policy.

The cornerstones of the ISEEE initiatives are the collaboration of the provincial government (particularly through the Alberta Energy Research Institute), various federal government departments the private sector, and the university. The shared role of the university and its stakeholders is to be a catalyst for new ideas, innovations and technologies that will be critical to the long term prosperity of Alberta and Canada.

There is much work still to be done in consulting, coordination and collaboration. We also hold the conviction that it is essential to get on with the work that needs to be done. As such, we have committed our own funding, approved in last year’s operating budget, confident that support from other sources will be in place as we execute a clear strategy and demonstrate results.

• The first announcement will be the appointment of Dr. Robert Mansell (right) as Special Advisor to the President on Energy and Environment and Managing Director of ISEEE. Currently Dean of Graduate Studies, Associate V.P. (graduate and post-degree programs) and Professor of Economics, he has agreed to take on this responsibility full-time because of its high priority for the university. Mansell has a long list of publications, including over 100 studies on energy and regulatory issues. He has frequently appeared as an expert witness before the National Energy Board, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, and various other energy and regulatory tribunals across Canada.
• We will be announcing the membership of the ISEEE leadership and advisory boards, composed of high-level industry and government leaders, senior researchers, and representatives from leading organizations in energy, environment and the economy.
• To this point the university has committed almost $13 million of its operating resources to the energy and environment area. This commitment to ISEEE is attracting exceptional researchers from Canada and the U.S. Further announcements in this area will be made this fall.
• We are finalizing agreements with the province, the University of Alberta and University of Lethbridge on a pan-Alberta energy and environment strategy where each institution will lead and contribute.
• The ISEEE office will be located in the CCIT building on campus. However, it is important to emphasize that ISEEE is not a building or a single research project – it is a collaborative program focused on key challenges and opportunities in the energy and environment area.

Those closest to the oil and gas sector know that we cannot take Alberta’s natural resources and prosperity for granted. Depleting conventional resources, increasing environmental (including water) constraints and growing international competition pose significant challenges.

At the same time there are many exciting opportunities to increase the recovery and value of our conventional and unconventional energy resources.

It is essential that we aggressively pursue technological breakthroughs, innovation, policy development and education to meet these challenges and ensure secure and competitive energy supplies for a clean environment and sustainable economy.

Bearing that in mind, we have moved ahead on a number of fronts. To highlight a few examples, in the last year we have:

• Met with leaders in the energy industry, provincial government (including Alberta Energy Research Institute) and federal departments to seek input and collaboration in the planning of the ISEEE initiative.
• Organized numerous workshops with U of C researchers and researchers from other organizations to identify research gaps and potential areas of collaboration. In one such meeting more than 50 researchers from the university and the National Research Council (NRC) identified three areas of common interest, strength and vision as a foundation for a partnership with the NRC (i.e. alternative energy, including hydrogen and fuel cells, bioproducts/biofuels/biomass, and energy systems and climate change).
• Secured funding from Western Economic Diversification to assist in building the Western Canadian Fuel Cell Initiative (WCFCI).
• Secured an agreement to pursue a U of C/City of Calgary water research facility at Pine Creek.
• Led development of joint research initiative with the University of Alberta and University of Lethbridge to create an “Alberta Ingenuity Fund Water Centre of Excellence.”
• Joined the AERI Challenge Dialogue with leaders from government, industry, and other research institutions from across Canada to identify issues and opportunities to meet the challenges facing Alberta and Canada in ensuring a clean and sustainable energy supply for Canadians and export markets.
• Agreed to work with the National Research Council to establish an Institute for Sustainable Development Technologies at the U of C focused on alternative energy, including hydrogen and fuel cells, bioproducts/biofuels/biomass, and energy and environmental systems modeling and policy.

Last spring we also shared with the community details of the University’s Academic Plan, our four-year strategic plan for focusing on priorities, attracting and retaining high-calibre faculty, and building excellence. These announcements are a reflection of that commitment in action.

Dr. Harvey P. Weingarten