Program helps advance new technologies
from lab-scale to commercialization
The NGIF Emissions Testing Centre combines live testing at Tourmaline Oil’s West Wolf Lake gas processing plant near Edson, Alberta, with simulated emissions testing in labs at the University of Calgary. Photo courtesy Canadian Gas Association
that helped Alberta’s oil and gas industry exceed the province’s methane emissions reduction target. Producers beat the target – to reduce methane emissions by 45 per cent compared to 2014 levels by 2025 – three years early in 2022, then exceeded it in 2023 with a 52 per cent reduction. So far, more than 70 participants have taken part in the ETC program, and there is a growing waitlist. “It’s really about taking all of our inventive skills that we have to support these companies because we want them to commercialize those technologies,” Gates said. “We want to see them succeed. How do we get there? Well, we need better technology.” Through the ETC, technologies can be tested in the lab and in the field under controlled conditions. Failures can be used to support improvements. “Companies that are looking to validate their cleantech can come to a real-life
operating centre and test their technology there,” explained Scott Volk, Tourmaline’s director of emissions and innovation. “They have us to help validate the claims as to whether it did or didn’t work, and they can use that to build a new prototype that does what they hope it will do. The U of C can be an external validator.” The program’s success has attracted attention outside of Alberta, Gates said. “We’ve got U.S. companies now,” he said, calling it a recognition of Alberta as a leader in the development of this type of technology. “The reputation of the ETC is growing. It’s this integration of lab testing, field testing and a bigger vision on things. It’s such a wonderful mix.” Participating in the program also gives PhD and postdoctoral students an unusual insight into how industry works, explained Gates. “They get hands-on [experience with industry]. There is no other research project where they get that.”
INNOVATION • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 117 Noted for innovations like transportable solid bitumen and carbonless flaring, many of Ian Gates’ projects start in his garage or in the university lab using modified home gadgets. Photo for the Canadian Energy Centre
116 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 3
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