The federal government this month announced investments of $7 million to help fund an array of projects within the clean energy sector.
This includes nearly $5M for the University of Calgary in support of the Energy Modelling Hub, a national initiative launched to advance evidence-based decision making in the energy sector.
“By supporting cutting-edge energy modelling and technology development, we are strengthening the evidence that guides our decisions and advancing a reliable, affordable and forward-looking energy system,” remarked Yasir Naqvi, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade.
The Hub’s Executive Committee is comprised of Blake Shaffer, Associate Professor, University of Calgary; Madeleine McPherson, Associate Professor, University of Victoria; Normand Mousseau, Professor, Polytechnique Montréal; and Mark Winfield, Professor, York University.
The Energy Modelling Hub “brings together universities and experts across the country to provide the analytical tools needed for credible, forward-looking decisions on reliability, affordability, sustainability and decarbonization,” according to a statement from the committee.
Approximately $2M was earmarked for four projects under the Energy Innovation Program.
These projects include Simon Fraser University developing open-source energy economy simulation technology to examine the competitiveness of Canadian industry by determining if zero-emission, low- to high-temperature heat can be produced at a cost that maintains economic viability, and the University of Alberta developing an open-source Canadian version of the Global Change Analysis Model to assess carbon removal technologies’ effectiveness through 2100.
“Smart decisions are based on data,” stated Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, “and these projects will allow us to develop cutting-edge, Canadian insights and technology, which we can leverage to unlock the full potential of our workers, businesses and resources and become an energy superpower.”