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May 20, 2009
Taking a natural path to greener energy production
Researchers looking at the role of microorganisms in oil sands development
Atlanta, GA... The Government of Alberta, through Genome Alberta, is supporting a research team that will examine Alberta’s potential to reduce the use of water and natural gas in oil sands extraction and improve the management of tailings ponds.
Researchers will examine Alberta’s energy reserves for microbes that exist naturally in oil sands and coal seams. These living organisms cause the natural breakdown of hydrocarbons and the project will look into how these processes could be used in energy production. For example, this science could speed up the settling rate of tailings ponds so the water can be recycled sooner.
“This investment in biotechnology research for energy production could result in new knowledge leading to billions of dollars in greener energy production,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “Our government is pleased to contribute $2 million to this project because it is another positive step in our government’s action on climate change and another demonstration of our commitment to innovative research”.
The head of the research team is Dr. Gerrit Voordouw, a world leader in the use of metagenomics in the petroleum sector, which is central to unlocking scientific solutions “unseen in DNA”. The team, based at the University of Calgary, will also develop a database that describes and harnesses the genetic potential of the microorganisms, genes and biological processes.
Industry partners, Genome Canada and Alberta’s research community are also contributing to the $11.6-million project, which was announced at Bio 2009, the world’s largest biotechnology gathering, taking place in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Government of Alberta invests strategically in research and innovation infrastructure, and actively supports the science of solutions to improve the health, social and economic well-being of Albertans, and people far beyond provincial boundaries.
Backgrounder: Oil Sands Metagenomics Research Project
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Donna J. McColl
Assistant Director, Communications
Advanced Education and Technology
780-427-0038
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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Microorganisms in oil sands development
Through the project - called Metagenomics for Greener Production and Extraction of Hydrocarbon Energy: Creating Opportunities for Enhanced Recovery with Reduced Environmental Impact -a database will be developed and used by other researchers and scientists to create greener energy and feedstock production. This will help lay a foundation for new bioproducts industries within the province.
Partners
Advanced Education and Technology (AET)
Investing in science and technology today is critical to ensure prosperity and a high quality of life tomorrow. Alberta Advanced Education and Technology focuses on the application of science and research and the innovative use of technology to shape the future of the province.
Genome Alberta
Genome Alberta is a not-for-profit corporation, with the mandate to lead Alberta’s efforts in genomics research and innovation. Genome Alberta provides leadership in prioritizing, coordinating, and enabling world class genomic research partnerships in order to create societal and sustainable economic benefits for Alberta and Canada. Genome Alberta interacts and connects with national and international genomics efforts as one of the six regional genomics centres in the Genome Canada context.
Biography - Dr. Gerrit Voordouw
Originally from the Netherlands, Dr. Gerritt Voordouw completed his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Calgary (U of C) in 1975 and is a professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences at the U of C. His research interests are in the development of the molecular biology of anaerobic, sulfate-reducing bacteria and in the characterization of anaerobic, microbial communities found in subsurface environments, such as oil fields and aquifers.
Research and Service providersUniversity of Calgary
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Southern California
- Alberta Research Council
- Michael Smith Science Centre
Industry partners
- Baker-Hughes
- Baker-Petrolite
- Conoco-Phillips
- Encana
- Quicksilver Resources
- Shell
- Suncor
- Syncrude
- Trident Exploration
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Donna J. McColl
Assistant Director, Communications
Advanced Education and Technology
780-427-0038
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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