Research

Energy research in David Bressler's biofuels lab.

Our communities deserve solution focused scholarship.

The University of Alberta is home to Canada's largest energy systems interdisciplinary research network. U of A experts are working together to understand and improve the resources, technologies, processes, and governance structures that both shape and fuel our daily lives.
From the sustainable development of fossil fuels to the advancement of environmental law and policy, Energy Systems research addresses the complex realities of today's energy needs and tomorrow's energy transitions. This includes research on traditional and emerging sources of energy, the environmental implications of energy use, and the societal practices that inform how we energize our local and global communities. After all, everyone has a stake in how we produce, use, and manage energy.

Energy

U of A researchers are investigating energy sources and technologies to ensure that our communities have access to responsible resource development and systems integration.

Environment

The U of A's research community is leading the way when it comes to responsible and integrative environmental stewardship at every stage of the energy systems cycle.

Society

Through the study of resource policies, ethics, and governance, U of A researchers are engaging with communities to explore our cultural and societal relationships to energy.

Opportunities

Clean Resource Innovation Network Technology Competitions

Does your project qualify for one of CRIN's $80 million technology competitions? Get your questions answered at an information webinar where speakers will introduce the competition objectives and explain the eligibility criteria, application process, and support available:

  • April 7, 2021 @10:00 a.m. PT: $50 million Reducing Environmental Footprint technology competition, powered by Emissions Reduction Alberta. 
  • April 21,2021 @9:00 a.m. PT: $25 million Low Emission Fuels & Products technology competition, powered by Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre and The Delphi Group. Register here.
  • May 19, 2021 time TBD: $5 million Digital Oil and Gas technology competition, powered by MaRS. Watch CRIN's events calendar for registration opening.

Research Programs

The University of Alberta is the proud home to the following Energy Systems research programs.

Future Energy Systems

Developed to help Canadians make the ongoing transition to a low net-carbon economy, Future Energy Systems is the largest initiative in the Energy Systems network and is the result of a $75 million investment from the federal government's Canada First Research Excellence fund.

 Future Energy Systems

Land Reclamation International Graduate School

One of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century is to reclaim disturbed lands around the world to secure the livelihood of future generations. The Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS) helps to meet this challenge by providing collaborative and interdisciplinary training and professional development opportunities.

 LRIGS

Petrocultures

With an aim to support, produce, and distribute research that focuses on the social, cultural, and political implications of oil and energy use at individual and societal levels, Petrocultures is a U of A research group that has sparked international scholarship and discussion since 2011.

 Petrocultures

Construction Innovation Centre

Developed to help Canadians make the ongoing transition to a low net-carbon economy, Future Energy Systems is the largest initiative in the Energy Systems network and is the result of a $75 million investment from the federal government's Canada First Research Excellence fund.

 Construction Innovation Centre

Institute for Oil Sands Innovation

Oil sands operations that use little or no water, consume less energy, generate lower greenhouse gas emissions and yield high-quality products at lower costs. This is the vision of the Institute for Oil Sands Innovation (IOSI) at the University of Alberta.

 IOSI