Alberta’s energy sector is Canada’s economic engine and is constantly innovating both internally and with partners. The work of researchers and entrepreneurs around clean energy technology is instrumental in helping Alberta meet its net-zero targets.
As Alberta continues to diversify its economy, innovations like the ones happening in these projects are critical. The projects being supported today are an important part of that diversification and are creating jobs. To date, these projects have created 200 jobs and that is expected to increase to more than 1,900 in five years.
“Technology is driving innovation in every industry. Alberta entrepreneurs and researchers are creating the solutions that move Alberta – and the world – forward. Each project supported through this funding will help us double down on Alberta’s role as a responsible and secure supplier of energy.”
“The new economy creates incredible opportunities in the clean-tech sector. Growing a mature clean technology industry in Alberta takes dedication and resources. We are pleased to provide support for both the Clean Resources’ projects that demonstrate a clear path to helping Alberta meet its Net Zero goals, as well as those unique innovations in the Digital Innovations in Clean Energy program.”
The province is investing $13 million to support 22 projects through Alberta Innovates. Thirteen projects are receiving funding through the Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE) program and nine through the Clean Resources business unit.
The DICE projects being funded are part of that program’s second phase and support business transformation, clean technology, and innovative production and distribution. These digital innovations will develop and bring technology to market that creates jobs in the digital economy, improve the efficiency of energy production at all levels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental innovations in water and land management.
Projects funded through Alberta Innovates’ Clean Resources business unit fall under one of five streams: clean technologies, digital clean energy, environmental technologies, partial upgrading and recovery technology. The solutions being worked on include reducing building utility costs and emissions with digital transformation software, augmented intelligence to lower carbon dioxide and engineering and development of asphalt from Alberta bitumen.
“With these investments, University of Calgary researchers will continue to reimagine the energy landscape to help Alberta’s energy sector grow, diversify, and become even more sustainable. We thank the Government of Alberta and Alberta Innovates for their confidence in our scholars and their ability to drive energy technology innovation for our low-carbon future.”
Quick facts
- The total investment is about $13 million in 22 projects.
- $9.6 million will be used to fund nine projects from the Clean Resources business unit.
- $3.4 million will be used to fund 13 projects through the DICE program.
- Total project costs are $47 million.
- Alberta Innovates’ clean energy business unit develops and invests in applied research and innovation programs to sustain, grow and diversify the energy and resource industries, develop clean technology, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect Alberta’s environment.
- DICE aims to help projects that support Alberta Innovates’ three strategic priorities:
- Developing emerging technologies, which include data-enabled innovation; digital technology for business transformation; clean technology; innovative production and distribution.
- Enhancing our knowledge workforce.
- Embracing the digital future.
- DICE initially supported 17 projects between March 1, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021 by providing more than $3 million in funding.
- The program created more than 50 jobs initially and 468 jobs upon project completion.
