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Catalogue No.: M159-5/2009E-PDF

ISBN: 978-1-100-12743-9

Aussi offert en français sous le titre Initiative de recherche et développement en technologie et en innovation

iiiSummary Report for the Technology and Innovation Research and Development Initiative

At a Glance

Technology and Innovation Research and Development Initiative At a GlanceThe Technology and Innovation (T&I) Research and Development (R&D) Initiativewas established by the Government of Canada to advance promising technologies toachieve long-term greenhouse gas reductions and strengthen Canada's clean energytechnology capacity. Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Research andDevelopment coordinated and managed the T&I R&D Initiative to ensure thatprojects met outcomes, transferred knowledge, and paved the way for a cleanenergy future.

BiotechnologyNumber of Partnerships Formed: 254 Total Initiative Funding: $20M

Cleaner Fossil FuelsNumber of Partnerships Formed: 286 Total Initiative Funding: $40M

• Unconventional Gas SupplyNumber of Partnerships Formed: 217 Total Initiative Funding: $10M

• Bitumen and Heavy OilNumber of Partnerships Formed: 31 Total Initiative Funding: $15M

• Clean Coal and Carbon DioxideCapture and StorageNumber of Partnerships Formed: 38 Total Initiative Funding: $15M

Decentralized Energy ProductionNumber of Partnerships Formed: 62 Total Initiative Funding: $20M

Hydrogen EconomyNumber of Partnerships Formed: 25 Total Initiative Funding: $7M

Advanced End-use EfficiencyNumber of Partnerships Formed: 213 Total Initiative Funding: $25M

• TransportationNumber of Partnerships Formed: 41 Total Initiative Funding: $8M

• IndustryNumber of Partnerships Formed: 50 Total Initiative Funding: $9M

• Buildings (Commercial andResidential) and CommunitiesNumber of Partnerships Formed: 122 Total Initiative Funding: $8M

Number of Projects by Area

Total Investment

Projects

Investment

ivSummary Report for the Technology and Innovation Research and Development Initiative

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Changing the Outlook on Climate Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Project Hightlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Biotechnology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Cleaner Fossil Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Unconventional Gas Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Bitumen and Heavy Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Clean Coal and Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Decentralized Energy Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Hydrogen Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Advanced End-use Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Buildings (Commercial and Residential) and Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

On the Horizon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Summary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

1Summary Report for the Technology and Innovation Research and Development Initiative

Changing the Outlook on Climate Change

Breaking BarriersAs the T&I R&D Initiative unfolded, a cross-cutting program was introduced that covered projects in multipletechnology areas. The program was comprised of two components: Technology to Market (T2M) and IntegratedApplications (IA). The purpose of the T2M component was to support emerging technologies along the innovationcurve to deployment through in-depth market potential assessments, standardized GHG estimation methods,dissemination strategy support, and a website hosting the necessary information. The IA component recognized that

Changing the Outlook on Climate ChangeClimate change is an urgent global challenge, one that Canada has a responsibility to address. A solution to thischallenge involves finding ways to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Because GHG emissions come frommany Canadian sectors, a Canadian solution must be multi-faceted, which is a complex undertaking.

On November 21, 2002, the Government of Canada released the Climate Change Plan for Canada. The following year,Budget 2003 announced that $250 million of federal funding from this plan was to be used to launch the ClimateChange Technology and Innovation Initiative, of which $115 million was allocated to the Technology andInnovation (T&I) Research and Development (R&D) Initiative. The objective of the T&I R&D Initiative was to focuson projects that would advance promising technologies to achieve long-term GHG reductions and strengthenCanada’s clean energy technology capacity. Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Research andDevelopment coordinated and managed the T&I R&D Initiative during its five-year duration, starting in October2003 and ending in March 2008.

Through the T&I R&D Initiative, the Government of Canada identified five strategic areas as high-potential areas forsignificant reductions in GHG emissions: Biotechnology, Cleaner Fossil Fuels, Decentralized Energy Production,Hydrogen Economy, and Advanced End-use Efficiency. Within these five strategic areas, nine technology areas wereestablished, under which projects would be funded.

Governing the T&I R&D InitiativeEach technology area was managed through a network of Experts Groups, made up of federal interdepartmentalscience and technology (S&T) and policy maker experts, and headed by a Leader of the Experts Group (LEG).External consultation was provided to the Experts Group by an External Advisory Group made up of provincial,academic, and industrial stakeholders. The LEGs then reported to an interdepartmental Directors General SteeringCommittee that considered and approved projects, and monitored and tracked progress to ensure that projects metthe objectives of the T&I R&D Initiative.


some of the promising technologies are interdisciplinary, spanning more than one technology area in the T&I R&DInitiative. As such, the components encouraged synergies between groups—addressing a significant research gapthat would otherwise be missed—and supported the overall research direction of the cross-cutting program.

Results—Now and into the FutureThe T&I R&D Initiative was based on long-term strategic planning, but it also embraced possibilities to achieveGHG emission reductions in the near and medium terms. Near-term results rely on quickly developing cleantechnology options, which provided incremental advances, into the energy economy. In the medium to longer term, bridging technologies will help Canada transition to a low-emission energy future. Next generationtechnologies will eventually transform processes and lead to a clean energy future—one where society, itsinfrastructure, and its industries are functioning sustainably and where the maximum potential for mitigatingclimate change has been realized.

This ReportThis report is intended to disseminate and highlight some of the successes and results of the T&I R&D Initiativeover the five years. Projects highlighted span the innovation cycle from applied R&D to early stage development.Projects highlighted also supported work in regulatory and policy development. For more information on any ofthese projects, contact the Office of Energy Research and Development, Natural Resources Canada, 580 Booth Street, 14th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E4 by mail or by e-mail: [email protected]

Project Highlights

5Project Highlights

Biotechnology

Biomass Fuel Study Heats UpFuelled by economic concerns and high GHGemissions associated with using natural gas in thepulp and paper and cement industries, the researchteam set out to evaluate the replacement of natural gaswith biomass-derived fuels for pulp and paper limekilns and cement kilns. The project consisted ofcarrying out a life-cycle analysis of biomass supply forlime and cement kilns, including examining variouslogistical and technical needs associated withharvesting biomass. Project work also involveddetermining the physico-chemical characteristics ofsourced biomass fuels and quantifying theconcentration of contaminants (such as aluminium andsilicon) in the stages of lime manufacture at the studymills. Fuel substitution initiatives like this project areconsistent with the long-term Canadian BiomassInnovation Network (CBIN) strategy for meetingrising energy needs and GHG emissions constraints.

Project Title: Analysis of Biomass-derived Fuels forUse in Pulp and Paper Lime Kilns and Cement Kilns

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Advanced Biorefinery Inc., Alberta Pacific, BowaterThunder Bay, Canfor Prince George, Cariboo Quesnel,Catalyst Elk Falls, Domtar Espanola, EnsynTechnologies, FPInnovations—Paprican, Howe SoundPulp and Paper, Irving Saint John, Druger ToisRivières, Lafarge North America, Nexterra EnergyCorporation, IEA BioEnergy ImplementingAgreement—Task 33, Tembec Skookumchuck, TolkoManitoba Kraft Papers, University of British Columbia,VTT Research (Finland)

Achievements:

» Data acquired from more than 10 mills acrossCanada led to an increased awareness andunderstanding of technologies and processesassociated with biomass conversion and utilization.

» Useful knowledge generation for pulp and paper andcement industries seeking to replace fossil fuels withbiomass-derived fuels.

» Anticipation that this research will lead to theinstallation of the first commercial biomass-fuelledlime kiln in a British Columbia mill.

» Scientific papers, technical reports, and workshops.

» Strategic partnerships among researchers, adopters,and end-users.

» Life-cycle assessment of technological-economic-environmental parameters.

Styrofoam Makes Way for Renewable,Starch-based MaterialsIncreasing public awareness, changing market forces,and improving cost-performance of bio-basedmaterials have created favourable conditions formanufacturers to switch from synthetic petroleum-based materials to starch-based biopolymers for theproduction of short-lived products such as disposablecups and packaging. This project was launched todevelop and promote starch-based biopolymers,focusing on blends and alloys of thermoplastic starchand other biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalcanoates

BiotechnologyCanada has abundant sources of biomass and a large potential to develop a more sustainableand bio-based economy. The Biotechnology area was established to harness the potential forbioresources, bioenergy, bioproducts, and bioprocesses to help Canadian industries become moreenergy efficient and sustainable, and to diminish climate change. In particular, the projectsfunded under this technology area focused on researching and developing technologies thatefficiently and cost-effectively convert different forms of biomass into biofuels and other usefulproducts such as chemicals and biopolymer materials. Most of the project activities in thistechnology area were in the category of applied R&D, and were aimed at bridging fundamentalresearch with demonstration projects.


Biotechnology

and polylactic acid. These materials are produced entirely from renewable sources and are biodegradable.

Project Title: Development and Production of Starch-based Biopolymers

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,National Research Council Canada—IndustrialMaterials Institute, Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada, École Polytechnique de Montréal

Achievements:

» Polylactic acid and thermoplastic starch weresuccessfully compatibilized (mixed to form ahomogeneous blend). This is an important findingthat may translate into use of bio-based materials,especially for molded articles, packaging films, andfoam materials.

» Project members carried out a collaborative projectleading to pilot-scale trials with a major NorthAmerican foam-packaging producer. In foamedpackaging alone (e.g., plates, trays, coffee cups),the manufacturer uses 150,000 tons of polystyrene.Even a partial substitution of starch-based materialcould significantly benefit the environment.

» Project work involving the crop triticale, which is ahybrid of wheat and rye, resulted in the successfulfabrication of triticale-based materials. This successhas led to continued collaboration between theNational Research Council Canada and Agricultureand Agri-Food Canada in the Canadian Triticale Bio-refinery Initiative.

» The research generated in this project led to 10 scientific articles in high-impact, peer-reviewed,international journals and over 25 presentations innational and international forums. An articlepublished in the journal Polymer in January 2007,describing research carried out on compatibilizationof thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid blends,was the seventh most downloaded paper of thisjournal in 2007. Micrographs of foams made out ofthese same materials were featured on the frontpage of Macromolecular Bioscience journal in July2007. This research was also featured on thescientific TV show Le code Chastenay, which airedon Télé-Québec.

Information Portal Enables Analysis ofCanada’s BiomassIndustries throughout Canada generate biologicalresidues or biomass. The biomass includes bothwoody and non-woody (herbaceous) sources, such asgrain-crop residues, forest mill waste, timber-harvesting residues, and urban wood waste. Thesesources of biomass can be used as feedstock togenerate bioenergy, biofuels, and other bioproducts.

The project team performed a national inventory ofagricultural and forestry biomass with the goal ofdeveloping a comprehensive and consistent picture ofthe quantity, quality, cost, and opportunity providedby the available biomass. Information on theavailability of woody biomass recovered from urbansettings was gathered using surveys and inspections ofurban waste management systems. Combining thisinformation with geographic information systems(GIS) technology, the project team developed a web-based information portal that will be publiclyaccessible and will allow users to determine thefeasibility of accessing the herbaceous and woodybiomass for use as feedstock.

Project Title: GIS-based Inventory and Analysis ofAgricultural and Forestry Biomass

Performers and Partners: Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada, Natural Resources Canada—Canadian ForestService’s Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Above BoardInc., FPInnovations—Forest Engineering ResearchInstitute of Canada, Manitoba Conservation,Southwestern Ontario Bioproducts InnovationNetwork, Sweitzer-Mauduit, University of British Columbia

Achievements:

» Created a biomass information portal, consisting ofdatabases and an interactive web-based decisionsupport tool using GIS technologies. The toolidentifies sources of sustainable woody andherbaceous biomass feedstock spatially by type.

» The portal will provide decision makers with keyinformation—available transportation infrastructure,significant water bodies, land cover, and location ofurban areas—crucial to the exploitation of theresidues and waste biomass by industry.

7Project Highlights

Biotechnology

» The biomass information portal can also be used byinvestors, policy makers, and researchers to assessthe presence and location of biomass feedstockinventories and, in the future, characterize theavailable biomass, forecast lifespan or sustainability,and evaluate the socio-economic and environmentalimpacts of biomass recovery and conversion.

» The project advanced knowledge and understandingof existing biomass resource potential and resultedin increased interdepartmental collaboration withinthe federal government, and increased involvementof provincial governments and industry stakeholders.

Growing BioenergyAs the bioenergy industry takes off, there is a need todevelop sustainable dedicated biomass productionsystems for bioenergy generation in Canada. Theobjective of this project was to provide newknowledge and technology to enable Canada toestablish up to 1.3 million hectares of new short-rotation agro-forestry plantations by 2025. In thiscontext, short-rotation agro-forestry is the culture ofproducing fast-growing, low-maintenance, high-yielding crops for conversion into biofuels and otherbioproducts. The woody and herbaceous crops thatwould grow on these 1.3 million hectares werepredicted to contribute 23 million tons of biomassfeedstock yearly, a reduction of 30 megatons of GHGemissions, and 4.1 percent of total energy consumptionin Canada. This project focused on four willows orhybrid poplar-based systems.

Project Title: Developing Short-rotationPlantation/Agroforestry Systems for BioenergyGeneration in Canada

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—Canadian Forest Service, Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada; Institut de recherche en biologie végétale—Montréal Botanical Garden; Natural ResourcesCanada—CanmetENERGY in collaboration with 11academic and research institutes, including the StateUniversity of New York (SUNY-ESF); 25 companiesincluding Enerkem, Ensyn, and Uniboard of Canada;17 provincial and regional organizations, including theSaskatchewan Research Council and LignicultureQuebec, 6 municipalities, and over 100 landowners

Achievements:

» Established a network of field tests across Canada toselect promising native willow species for short-rotation intensive culture (SRIC). Preliminary resultsindicate that biomass production in native willows iscomparable to that found in exotic willow clonescurrently being used in Canada.

» Established a network of sites across variousecozones in Canada to assess woody biomassproduction and carbon sequestration of short-rotation plantation systems under various land-management practices. These include the first SRICsites in the Canadian Prairies.

» Tested new willow clones and improved cultivationpractices. Carbon sequestration in the above-groundbiomass produced under SRIC proved to besignificantly higher than in natural systems. Createda database to store information on crop compositionand to track input into expected pre-treatmentissues and conversion performance. This databasewill help conversion facilities estimate supply costs.

» Completed scientific validation and adaptation ofwillow clones for agro-forestry systems. Initialbiomass yield in riparian buffers and alley croppingreached 15 dt/ha/yr with minimal input. Willowswere shown to be effective biofilters that canremove non-point source pollutants. Hardinessscreening showed that exotic willow clones proven to be adapted to eastern Canada were atsignificant risk of low-temperature damage whenplanted in Saskatchewan.

» Developed a functional cutter-shredder-baler at areasonable material cost. This original technologycompares favourably with the only currentalternative in SRIC, a self-propelled harvester-chopper that produces wood chips but requires acapital investment about seven times greater thanthe baling system.

» Developed or refined three bio-economic models,allowing significant progress toward assessing theeconomic feasibility of short-rotation woody crops interms of bioenergy potential anywhere in Canada.

» Significant progress was made toward a betterunderstanding of the impact of the Quebeclegislative environment and of the perceptions of thesystem in development by potential early adopters inQuebec and the Prairies.


Biotechnology

From Plant Waste to Ethanol Fuel: A Way ForwardConverting lignocellulose to ethanol fuel is apromising technology to help address the problem ofdeclining fossil fuel sources. Lignocellulose, a plantcomponent that is inedible to humans, is plentiful inCanada due to the country’s abundant supply of agro-forestry wastes and municipal solid wastes.Lignocellulose can also be harvested from dedicatedenergy crops such as fast-growing grasses.

Canada has laid an impressive foundation for itslignocellulose-biofuel industry, but more detailedplans were needed to fully realize the environmentaland economic potential of this technology. This projectfocused on developing a generic environmentalassessment framework to guide the responsibledevelopment of bioenergy in Canada based onexperiences with first-generation biofuels feedstocks—encompassing their production, conversion,distribution, and subsequent integration into theCanadian ground transportation fuel infrastructure.The framework also identified representativeenvironmental end points, existing regulations,licensing requirements, permits, best practices, andguidelines required for establishing ethanol andbiodiesel production facility sites in Canada. Theoverall goal was to establish a foundation that wouldenable consistency in approach between municipal,provincial, and federal government involvement and,ultimately, smooth the way for future development ofsecond-generation biofuels feedstocks. Furthermore,the framework allows for an orderly and predictableassessment of the ecological footprint from first-generation biofuel production facilities, therebyallowing the industry to optimize environmentalperformance over time.

Project Title: Laying the Environmental Foundationfor Evaluating Impacts from Large-scale Production ofEthanol and Biodiesel as a Precursor to LignocellulosicBiofuels Production in Canada

Performers and Partners: Environment Canada,Canadian/Indian Science and Technology Agreement(ISTPCanada), Natural Resources Canada, CanadianRenewable Fuels Association, United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency–Cincinnati Lab,BIOTECanada, AG-West Bio Inc., Friends of the Earth,

Tembec, National Research Council Canada—Institutefor Chemical Process and Environmental Technology,Public Works and Government Services Canada—Green Procurement, PetroBas—Brazil, GreenCrop,Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council—Cellulose Conversion Network

Achievements:

» Developed an environmental assessment framework.

» In Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario,the ministries of the environment referenced theframework for siting of biofuels facilities.

» Integrated the framework into Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Environmental Impact Assessmentguidelines for the Biofuels Opportunities forProducers Initiative (BOPI), and AgriculturalBioproducts Innovation Program (ABIP) biorefineries.

» The framework is currently being referenced by 35 states in the United States (U.S.) under theIrrigation Training and Research Center program, bythe U.K. Department for Environment, Food andRural Affairs and the German scientific community(under Canada-Germany memorandum ofunderstanding on S&T).

» The framework is under consideration by NaturalResources Canada for Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment (SEA) reporting and the Renewable FuelFacility Environmental Performance Benchmark.

» Environment Canada will use the emissions dataresulting from this project to support development ofthe Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Regulationsunder the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.The data generated during this project wasconsidered critical to developing the architecture forthe S&T strategy in support of RFS and subsequentregulatory development.

» Results from this project will be used as an agendaitem for the upcoming Environment Canada/U.S.Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Meetingon Biofuels scheduled for April 2009 in Ottawa, anda proposed Environment Canada/CanadianEnvironmental Assessment Agency meeting in spring 2009.

9Project Highlights

Biotechnology

Plant-wide examination of energy use in pulp andpaper mills identified energy-saving possibilities thatcould turn these mills into net producers of electricityfrom biomass, fuels such as bioethanol, and bio-basedproducts such as specialty chemicals. To further thisgoal, the project team developed a set of modellingtools that identify the energy and economic impacts ofthe plant and the process modifications that would beneeded. By incorporating innovative biorefineryconcepts, these mills could make use of the existingbiomass feedstock chain to produce an expandedrange of commercial products.

Components of the project included identifyingpossible energy and GHG emissions reductions atkraft pulp and paper mills (e.g., by using the modifiedthermal pinch analysis currently being developed),assessing the benefits of modifications to conventionalpulp and paper processes, and evaluating newbiorefinery technology pathways that would transformthe conventional structure of Canadian pulp andpaper mills.

Project Title: Optimizing the Carbon Value Chain inthe Pulp and Paper Process Biorefinery

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,École Polytechnique de Montréal, Tembec, Domtar,White Birch, Kruger, Smurfit-Stone, Hydro-Québec,Paprican, Norampac, NewPage, Abitibi Bowater,OSISoft, 3C Software, PEPITe, Aurel Systems, Metso,GAMS Development Corporation

Achievements:

» The newly developed methodology and tools arebeing applied at a kraft pulp and paper mill toenhance its energy efficiency and to assessbiorefinery potential.

» Developed and applied life-cycle analysismethodology to two operational mills—an integratedkraft pulp mill and an integrated newsprint mill—toevaluate the current and potential environmentalperformance of the mills.

» Advanced energy and water methodology showedthat implementing a proposed set of 15opportunities to one of the mills would reduce itssteam consumption by 10 percent (25 MW)corresponding to fuel savings of about $2.6 millionper year and a reduction in GHG emissions. Processwater use would also be reduced by 30 percent,equivalent to 15 percent total water usage. Inaddition, the mill effluent would be reduced by 15 percent and its temperature reduced by 5°C.

» Making full use of the biorefinery concept in the Canadian pulp and paper industry has thepotential to yield 6.2 Mt of GHG emissionsreductions per year.

» This project will be picked up for furtherdevelopment through alternative funding. The use ofCombined Energy and Water Optimization (CEWO)modelling is being adapted to implement biorefinerytechnologies at an existing pulp mill in a partneredproject underway at Natural Resources Canada.

Industry and Biotechnology

Pulp and Paper Mills Generate Electricity from Biomass

11Project Highlights

Cleaner Fossil Fuels

Cleaner Fossil FuelsFossil fuels have played an enormous role in advancing development, transportation, agriculture,medicine, manufacturing, and increasing the overall quality of life for Canadians. However, fossilfuels are a finite resource. Furthermore, the production, transformation, and consumption offossil fuels have consequences to the environment. The Cleaner Fossil Fuels strategic area was established to address the problem of decliningconventional fuel supplies and to develop technologies that enable cleaner energy productionwith lower emissions of GHGs and criteria air contaminants (CACs). This strategic area fundedthree technology areas: Unconventional Gas Supply, Bitumen and Heavy Oil, and Clean Coal andCarbon Dioxide Capture and Storage.

Mallik Gas Hydrate Project Breaks New GroundThe Mallik gas hydrate field in the Mackenzie Delta ofthe north-western Canadian Arctic was discoveredthrough an exploration well drilled by Imperial OilLtd. in the early 1970s. In 1998, several organizationscollaborated to drill a 1,150-metre deep research wellat the site, resulting in the first collection of terrestrialgas hydrate core samples in the world. Studiesrevealed at least 10 gas hydrate layers and high gashydrate saturation values, in some cases exceeding 80 percent of the pore volume. This established theMallik gas hydrate field as one of the mostconcentrated gas hydrate reservoirs in the world. In2002, seven international partners began full-scale fieldexperiments as part of a research well program thatincluded the drilling of more wells.

The T&I R&D Initiative supported a large researchproject spanning three phases. Collaboration with theMallik 2002 Gas Hydrate Production Research Wellprogram provided access to detailed well loginformation describing Mallik reservoir properties,results of core sample analysis, and a range ofproduction test data. Building on this knowledge,Phase 3 was launched to appraise methodology andtechnology to improve the evaluation andcharacterization of arctic gas hydrates with industryseismic data. It was a proof-of-concept project aimed atenabling future gas hydrate explorers to betterunderstand information from historical data setsrelated to the evaluation and characterization of gashydrate. Crews, equipment, camps, and rigs weremobilized to the remote well site. The research teamovercame extreme weather (-60°C), unexpected

Unconventional Gas SupplyAs natural gas reserves decline, industry isturning to alternative gas sources, such as coalbed methane (CBM), gas hydrates, and frontiergas (conventional gas that is found in remotelocations). CBM is one of the first forms ofunconventional gas to be commerciallydeveloped, and experts predict that by 2025 itwill be the main type of unconventional gasproduced. CBM consists mostly of methane withtrace quantities of other gases, and it is cleanerburning than coal. Gas hydrate is a solid thatforms when water combines with one or morehydrocarbon or non-hydrocarbon gases. Per unitvolume, gas hydrate contains a large amount ofgas, which is often methane. The amount ofnatural gas contained in gas hydrates greatlyexceeds conventional natural gas resources and,therefore, gas hydrates hold huge potential as anenergy resource. The frontier gas industry is alsopromising and well underway in Canada. Currentgas production from the mainland territories andoffshore Nova Scotia is approximately 10 billioncubic metres per year.

The objective of the Unconventional Gas Supplytechnology area was to reduce technological andregulatory barriers and uncertainties to theproduction of natural gas from unconventionaland frontier reservoirs.



technical difficulties in drilling, and an early break-upof an ice road in the spring. This project is the firstfield gas hydrate production test in the world.

Project Title: Support for Mallik Program

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—Geological Survey of Canada, Government of Japan,Government of the Northwest Territories, AuroraResearch Institute

Achievements:

» Gas hydrate production using pressure-draw-downappeared to be a successful production strategy.

» Advances in mapping permafrost and gas hydrateoccurrences using industry seismic data from Mallikand Richards Island, allowing for more accuratemapping of gas hydrate depths and dips and betterseismic imaging.

» The team completed a gas hydrate quantificationstudy to produce a refined and expanded acousticimpedance inversion data volume for all Mallik 3Dseismic data, inferring the aerial extent of the 75 percent gas hydrate saturated zones within theMallik gas hydrates pool and other occurrences tensof kilometres away.

» Evaluated field test results and identified possibleimprovements to instrumentation and survey design.

» During Phase 3, the team completed an extensiveopen-hole and cased-hole well-logging program, andran a successful six-day production test on theproduction well.

» The successful progression of this project hasspawned many other research projects, includingresearch on magnetotellurics, modelling, andkinetics. This project is the first of its kind in theworld, providing many countries with criticalinformation to determine the feasibility andeconomics of gas hydrate production as an energy source.

Research Team Points to Favourable

Areas of Ardley Coal Zone for Coal Bed Methane Exploration and CarbonDioxide StorageThe Alberta Geological Survey identified the Ardley coal zone in west-central Alberta as asignificant repository of coal bed methane (CBM). Butbefore CBM development can begin, several issuesneed to be addressed, such as concerns about potentialwater diversion from CBM development anduncertainty about the actual amount of CBM thatcould be produced.

Pumping water out of coal bed wells reduces pressureand allows for the extraction of CBM, which is foundwithin pores and fractures of coal. Enhanced CBMextraction involves injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) nearthe coal to displace the methane, because coal has agreater affinity for CO2 than methane. The addedbenefit of the enhanced extraction method is that theCO2, which is a GHG, is stored underground.

The project team characterized two specific areas inthe Ardley coal zone to determine the most favourableareas for CBM exploration and CO2 storage. The teamsampled CBM wells, performed gas content andreservoir pressure evaluations, and developed detailedmaps of the areas.

Project Title: Coal and Coal Bed Methane ReservoirCharacterization for Production Potential, EnhancedCoal Bed Methane-Carbon dioxide Sequestration, andGroundwater Protection

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—Geological Survey of Canada, Alberta GeologicalSurvey, Alberta Energy Research Institute, MGVEnergy Inc.

Achievements:

» The project team developed a geological computermodel that will be useful to industry, government,and other stakeholders for CBM exploration,development, monitoring, environmentalassessment, regulation, and assessing of GHGstorage capacity in geologically challenging areas.

» The team modelled gas contents from approximately20 wells and theoretical gas contents fromapproximately five wells (isotherms) to create gas-in-place (total gas available) estimates for the ArdleyCoal Zone.

» Geological reports on the two areas of the ArdleyCoal Zone under study identified areas of reservoircontinuity and risk areas for CO2 injection.



Researchers Drill Ocean Floor to FindNew Energy SourcePrevious studies have identified the west coast ofVancouver Island as an area of significant gas hydrateoccurrence, but more information was needed toassess the economics of marine gas hydrate productionand identify possible production constraints. To learnmore about the marine gas hydrate in this location,and to increase Canada’s research profile on theinternational stage, the project researchers participatedin the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, aninternational marine research program that studies theEarth’s history and structure by monitoring andsampling sub sea floor environments.

The project involved obtaining core samples andgeophysical measurements in drill holes (calleddownhole geophysical measurements) through thehydrate section to determine hydrate concentrations.Researchers calibrated and verified information fromover 15 years of geophysical survey systems to mapand quantify marine gas hydrate. They alsodetermined parameters to describe the magnitude andnature of in situ gas hydrate occurrence for reservoirmodelling. Modelling could potentially be used todevelop scenarios for gas production from the sub seafloor hydrate.

Project Title: Support for Canadian Research,International Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Drillingand Measurement of Marine Gas Hydrate offVancouver Island

Performers and Partners: International Ocean DrillingProgram onboard scientific team, U.S. Navy ResearchLaboratory, L’Observatoire de Villefranche sur Mer,Korea Institute of Geoscience and Minerals, Universityof Victoria

Achievements:

» Analyzed cores and downhole measurement datafrom the study to provide measurements of hydrateand underlying free gas concentrations, extensivegeophysical information, and hydrate parameters,such as porosity and permeability, which arerequired to develop methods for the production ofgas from hydrate.

» Determined that Canada’s distribution of marine gashydrate is more substantial than originallyanticipated in offshore British Columbia.

» The project provided training opportunities for 10 graduate students and 4 post-doctoral fellows inthe group, creating trained hydrate scientists for the future.

» Verified that concentrations of hydrate a fewhundred metres below the sea floor are similar toestimates from previous field data.

» Determined that there are zones containing a highconcentration (60 percent) of gas hydrate. Thesezones are believed to represent conduits for fluidsand gas migrating upward.

» Logging of the downhole geophysical data providedexcellent calibration of seismic and controlled-sourceelectromagnetic (CSEM) electrical field measurementtools, leading to improved understanding of howthese tools can be used to map gas hydrates.

» The project resulted in substantial internationalcollaboration, heightening Canada’s research profileand facilitating new partnerships.

Improved Understanding andForecasting of Ice Conditions ProtectsTankers in High ArcticGas reserves in the High Arctic are large enough tomake development viable but a challenge exists inhow to transport the gas to southern markets. Largetankers are the proposed method. However, vesseloperation depends on safe passage through ice-covered waters. Fifteen Arctic vessel captains wereinterviewed as part of a scoping study to identifyresearch areas that would improve year-roundtransportation in the Arctic. Unanimously, they pickedthe detection of multi-year ice regionally and locally(i.e., in the immediate vicinity of the vessel) as the keyresearch area.

This was the start of the most comprehensive ice-condition analysis of this type, covering over 30 yearsof shipping in the Arctic. Researchers compared actualice conditions as recorded on Canadian Ice Service icecharts to predictions of ice conditions from satelliteimagery, and from this analysis they developed



methods for identifying multi-year harder ice (old ice),which is the most dangerous to tankers. The projectcollaborators also developed and field-tested the IceHazard radar system for Canadian Coast Guard ice-breaking vessels. The system yielded hugeimprovements in detecting local multi-year ice, smallicebergs, and other small chunks of floating ice.

Project Title: Improved Ice Information Systems forHigh Arctic Transportation

Performers and Partners: National Research CouncilCanada, Natural Resources Canada—GeologicalSurvey of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada—Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Ice Service,Enfotec/Fednav (Canarctic Shipping), Transport Canada

Achievements:

» The project resulted in a report that presentsmethodology for predicting ice drift, open lanes ofwater, and ice pressure in the High Arctic.

» Developed a booklet that describes techniques foridentifying multi-year ice from satellite imagery andfrom visual observations. The Canadian Ice Service,the Canadian Coast Guard, and industry will use thebooklet to help train mariners.

» Transport Canada is using the information from thisresearch to reform the Arctic Shipping PollutionPrevention Regulations.

» The Canadian Coast Guard is actively pursuing theradar technology for its vessels.

» The information systems resulting from this projectwill reduce vessel damage and improve vessel safetyand operational efficiency.

Clean Coal and Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage and Unconventional Gas Supply

New Computer Model Predicts Economics of Enhanced Coal Bed Methane Extraction According to the Alberta Geological Survey, therecould be up to 14 trillion cubic metres of CBM held inAlberta coal. Enhanced CBM extraction, whichinvolves injecting CO2 near the coal to displace themethane, can be profitable. However, until now it wasdifficult to screen potential commercial projects andestimate revenue. The purpose of this project was todevelop a computer model capable of modelling theeconomics of CO2 capture, transport, and injection intoAlberta coal seams for enhanced CBM extraction.

By linking multiple software components, the projectteam developed the Integrated Economics Model,which mimics the entire enhanced CBM extractionprocess from CO2 source to sink. The model isspecifically tailored for Alberta coal types, reservoirproperties, source-to-sink distances, and prevailinglocal prices.

Project Title: Integrated Economic Model

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—CanmetENERGY, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board,Computer Modelling Group & Energy Navigator,Alberta Research Council, SNC-Lavalin

Achievements:

» Developed and enhanced the Integrated EconomicModel by adding new features (e.g., ability to takeinto account effects of coal permeability changes).

» SNC-Lavalin Inc. completed and verified the accuracyof the CO2 capture component of the model.

» The model will help with CBM prospecting byestimating the cost of CO2 capture, transport, and injection.

» The model will increase awareness and acceptanceof enhanced CBM extraction technology by industryand government.

» SNC-Lavalin is interested in continued partnership touse and further develop the tool for enhanced CBMapplications and other uses, including conventionaloil reservoir assessments.

» Potential for a working agreement with the Alberta Department of Energy for capture costsupply curve generation.



Bitumen and Heavy OilAs the world demand for light transportation fuelsincreases and the supply of light crude oilstabilizes and then decreases, bitumen and heavyoil will become ever more important energyresources. Canada’s proven petroleum reserves(second only to Saudi Arabia) are made upalmost entirely of oil sands bitumen. Currently,bitumen and heavy oil are difficult to process,requiring more energy and producing more GHGemissions than light crude oil. This technologyarea’s objective was to enable furtherdevelopment of technologies that reduce GHGemissions and improve the bitumen and heavy oilindustry’s overall environmental performance.

Better Analysis of Oil Sands TechnologyProvides Life-cycle BenefitsNew technologies are being developed for accessingCanadian oil sands bitumen while current oil sandstechnologies are becoming more deeply integrated intoCanada’s energy system. Construction, operation, andeventual retirement of facilities in this industry willhave large and complex impacts on Canada’s economyand environment. Cost-effective management of GHGemissions from the oil sands sector requires accuratetools for estimating emissions from diverse oil sandsextraction and upgrading technologies. In addition,accurate tools are needed to measure inputs such ascapital, energy, and water required to extract oil sandsbitumen. These measurements are difficult to estimatefrom operational data alone.

The project team created a life-cycle assessment (LCA) framework that provides a systematic methodfor analyzing the required inputs of energy andmaterials, and assessing outputs and environmentalimpacts for each stage of production, ranging fromresource extraction to waste disposal. LCA isparticularly appropriate for complex systems and forsystems where the costs or impacts of upstream,capital construction, and retirement activities aresignificant compared to those that arise duringoperations. It was anticipated that the LCA frameworkwould help prioritize research and developmentactivities by identifying technologies, or optimalcombinations of technologies, that would provideparticularly large life-cycle benefits.

Project Title: Life-cycle Assessment of Oil SandsTechnologies

Performers and Partners: University of Calgary,University of Toronto, Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology (MIT), Petrobank, Alberta Energy, ShellCanada, Synenco Energy Inc.

Achievements:

» Developed an LCA framework to enable systematicestimates of the life-cycle impacts of oil sandsdevelopment to 2020 and beyond. In particular, the LCA framework provides new methods forassessing GHG emissions resulting from integratedoil sands operations.

» The LCA framework will guide public and privatechoices about major investments in oil sandstechnologies and research.

» LCA practitioners can use the model as a decision-support tool while consulting othercompanies or while working within companies in the oil sands industry.

» Results of this project will be disseminated to seniorpolicy makers in the Alberta government through theInstitute for Sustainable Energy, Environment andEconomy at the University of Calgary.

Gas Injection Technique Doubles the GainsGas-over-bitumen reservoirs predominate certainareas of Alberta’s oil sands deposits. In thesereservoirs, natural gas overlays the bitumen depositwhile exerting pressure on the bitumen. Gas-over-bitumen reservoirs present a unique challengebecause, in many cases, rights have been issued toseparate lease holders for gas extraction and bitumenextraction. The process typically used to extractnatural gas conflicts with future bitumen extraction,which is accomplished by injecting steam into thereservoir. When the natural gas is extracted, thepressure required for efficient steam-injectionprocesses is lost.

The project team set out to not only find a solution forthe gas-over-bitumen dilemma, but to reduce the levelof GHG emissions in the atmosphere. CO2 is the most



prominent GHG, and is the product of any fuelcombustion. Flue gas (combustion exhaust gas) islargely made up of CO2. Using computer simulationand laboratory experimentation, researchers testedhow CO2 or flue gas can be used to displace naturalgas laying over the bitumen to maintain the original orclose to original pressure of these reservoirs. Thiswould enable future bitumen extraction, whilesequestering CO2 underground.

Project Title: Carbon Dioxide/Flue Gas Injection forMethane Displacement and Pressure Maintenance inGas-over-Bitumen Reservoirs

Performers and Partners: Alberta Research Council,Computer Modelling Group Ltd.

Achievements:

» Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of injecting CO2 into reservoirs to displace naturalgas, maintain pressure, and enable concurrentextraction of natural gas and bitumen from gas-over-bitumen reservoirs.

» This new technique provides two major benefits: analternative storage (disposal) option for CO2/flue gasin geological formations and an alternative methodfor producing energy.

» The methods developed will enable reservoirs to beexplored that would otherwise have been toodifficult to explore, leading to additional oil and gasproduction and therefore enhancing the Canadianfossil fuels industry.

» Potential patent application by the Alberta Research Council.

Technology Road Map to Steer HeavyOil FutureAccording to 2006 projections for bitumen-productiongrowth from surface-mined ore, the supply of bitumenwill run out sometime between 2020 and 2030.Through this project, a technology road map wascompleted to reduce the gap between what is currentlyrecoverable and what can be recoverable through

technology innovation. The technology road mapbuilds on several road maps and reports preparedover the past 10 years. It focuses particularly onmeeting the challenge of developing a pathway torecover bitumen in the 150- to 300-metre depth zone.

In addition to the main focus of the project, thetechnology road map was intended to motivate long-term R&D funding and activity for the development ofnew, more sustainable production options withreduced GHG emissions.

Project Title: Expanding Heavy Oil and BitumenResources: A Technology Road Map

Performers and Partners: Petroleum TechnologyAlliance of Canada, Alberta Energy Research Institute,Alberta Department of Energy, New ParadigmEngineering Ltd., Portfire & Associates, University ofAlberta, University of Calgary, Steering Committeewith members from provincial and federalgovernments, universities, and the oil sands industry

Achievements:

» The Alberta Energy Research Institute, AlbertaResearch Council, and industry are creating a jointR&D program to perform the laboratory work andfieldwork necessary to move forward the sustainabledevelopment of bitumen carbonate formations.

» Royal Dutch Shell invested $465 million for leases on10 land parcels known to hold carbonate formationsand has committed a specialized team to focus onmanaging carbonate reservoirs.

» One workshop (60 attendees) and six working groupsessions (77 attendees) brought together experts todiscuss inaccessible bitumen and heavy oil resourcesand brainstorm solutions.

» The final report highlights over 80 potential R&Ddirections.

» It is anticipated that this project will stimulateinterest in the potential of new deposits, includingthose in Alberta’s Carbonate Triangle, intermediatezone oil sands, small surface-mineable deposits, andoil sands under tailings.



Green Process Developed for Fluid-fine TailingsFluid-fine tailings (sometimes called mature finetailings) are created when bitumen is recovered fromthe oil sands. The tailings are a mix of sand, water, silt,clay, and residual hydrocarbons. The tailings arepumped into containment ponds, where the water isrecycled, and the fluid-fine tailings accumulate. Thereis a significant amount of water in the fluid-finetailings that could be recovered and a significantamount of energy used in the creation andmaintenance of the dike structures holding the fluid tailings.

As an alternative to accumulating and storing fluid-fine tailings, this project investigated the possibility ofcreating dry stackable tailings by centrifugation. Theaddition of thickening agents (known as flocculants) tothe fluid-fine tailings prepares the material forcentrifugation. Once thickened, the tailings would thenbe spun in a centrifuge to de-water them, leaving a drysubstance. The aim was to create dry tailings thatcould be stacked, removing the need to use a storagepond. The production of dry stackable tailings wouldsignificantly reduce both the storage volumes of waterand the amount of water being taken from theAthabasca River for use in mining processes.Furthermore, the dry tailings could be used as asubstrate to grow vegetation and therefore to reclaimthe boreal forest at the mining site.

Project Title: Treated Tailings Process Development

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—CanmetENERGY’s Advanced SeparationTechnologies, Syncrude Canada, Devon Energy,Suncor Energy

Achievements:

» Completed a proof-of-concept study with fluid-finetailings being converted into dry stackable tailings.

» Developed an industry-led consortium that focusedon this technology.

» Syncrude Canada committed to undertaking a large-scale pilot test to further evaluate the process andhelp establish the cost-per-cubic metre of tailings inpartnership with CanmetENERGY, Devon Energy, andSuncor Energy.



Clean Coal and CarbonDioxide Capture and StorageCurrent combustion technologies for fossil fuelsresult in emissions of large amounts of carbondioxide and other pollutants including nitrogenoxides and hydrocarbons. Clean combustiontechnologies are needed to reduce GHGs ingeneral and CO2 in particular. This technologyarea focused on research that would advance CO2

capture technologies that remove CO2 from gasmixtures, and CO2 sequestration technologies,that dispose of CO2 by storing it underground.

Microporous Hollow Fibre HelpsCapture CO2

Building on research started by the Alberta ResearchCouncil and the University of Waterloo, this projectwas launched to improve current methods of carboncapture. Carbon capture is the process of removingCO2 from natural gas pre-combustion and from gasemissions following combustion to reduce levels ofGHGs entering the atmosphere. Carbon capture isoften achieved using aqueous amine-based systems,which are high-cost, high-energy, and which requireSO2 to be removed before the process can start.

The project team developed a microporous hollowfibre membrane system to increase the amount of gas-liquid contact during the carbon capture process.Initially, the technology was tested when applied topost-combustion CO2 capture from flue gas. Followingsuccessful results, the technology was applied andtested for pre-combustion gas cleaning. One of the keyfindings from this project was the usefulness ofstraight potassium carbonate as an absorbent.

Project Title: Microporous Hollow Fibre forGreenhouse Gas Separation and Capturing

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Alberta Research Council, Alberta NewsprintCompany, Alberta Energy Research Institute

Achievements:

» In 2007 and 2008 the Alberta Research Councilsecured internal funding to continue working on CO2

and SO2 co-capture technology.

» The Alberta Research Council is in the process ofpartnering with Alberta Innovation and Science andthe City of Edmonton to scale-up this technologyand demonstrate its economic and environmentaladvantages over conventional systems.

» The new technology could provide a 25 to 30percent cost reduction compared to conventionaltechnology.

» There is potential to apply this knowledge andtechnology to the CO2 and SO2 separation associated with hydrocarbon combustion within theoil sands sector.

Next Generation Hydrogen ProductionPromises to Be Emissions-FreeGasification in the presence of a lime sorbent is aprocess that can convert coal, petroleum, or biomassinto hydrogen. Hydrogen is useful for oil sandsupgrading, electrical power production, and for thetransportation sector, but the gasification process forcreating hydrogen results in unwanted CO2 emissions.

Previous studies have shown that carbonationreactions performed during gasification can trap CO2and other impurities such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S),resulting in pure hydrogen. The reverse reaction,calcination, regenerates the CO2 sorbent and producesa concentrated stream of CO2 that is ready for finalsequestration. For best results, the forward and reversereactions are run continually in a looping cyclereferred to as “CO2 looping.”

This project was launched to study these reactions inmore detail and to gather information on how to scale-up the process so that it can be used by industry.

Tests with synthetic gasification product gas andsynthetic flue gas were conducted with the calciner(sorbent regenerator) operating with coal, biomass,petroleum coke, and blends of coal with biomass todetermine whether all these fuels can be used in theprocess. All of these fuels were shown to be suitable forsorbent regeneration to varying degrees. Researchers



designed and installed a monitoring device inside theentrained flow slagging gasification reactor to monitorlevels of hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbondioxide (CO2) ,water (H2O), and methane (CH4).

Project Title: Zero-emissions Hydrogen Productionvia Gasification (ZEHP)

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,University of Ottawa, EPCOR, Sherritt International,Suncor Energy, University of British Columbia

Achievements:

» Commissioned and tested a CO2-loopingdemonstration at the pilot scale, the first of its kindin the world. It featured a regenerative, calciumcarbonate scrubbing technology to efficiently removeCO2 and SO2 from the flue stream or CO2 and H2Sfrom synthetic gasification product gas.

» This process shows clear environmental benefits,with near-zero airborne emissions.

Using Oxygen to Fuel GHG-reducingTechnologiesOxy-fuel is an emerging technology for fossil fuelcombustion that results in lower emissions.Traditionally, fossil fuels are burned using ambient airthat has a high percentage of nitrogen present. Theoxy-fuel technology involves burning fossil fuels in anenvironment with high levels of concentrated oxygenthat does not contain nitrogen.

The resulting emissions are free of nitrogen oxide andcontain CO2 that is more concentrated and thereforeeasier to capture before release into the environment.Compressors can then be used to capture the CO2. Inaddition, when the gas is burned at a hightemperature, some of the pollutants can be convertedinto molten slag, which is a solid substance.

Researchers designed, built, and tested an oxy-steamburner for this project. They also investigated the useof slagging combustion and an innovative, skid-mounted CO2 compressor train. The resulting designsinclude several novel concepts with significantpotential for patent and technology transfer.

Project Title: Zero-emission Oxy-Fuel CombustionTechnologies for Clean Fossil Fuels

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—CanmetENERGY, CanmetENERGY CO2 R&DConsortium, Carleton University

Achievements:

» Once the intellectual property rights are secured forthe slagging combustor technology, industry will beapproached for technology transfer.

» The CanmetENERGY CO2 R&D Consortium membershave expressed interest in the oxy-steam burnertechnology. The consortium consists of industry andgovernment organizations.

» Negotiating an agreement for the Carbon CaptureProject Consortium to use the CO2 capture technology.

» Negotiated a collaborative research agreement withthe Technical University of Hamburg for the sharingof information on zero-emission systems, oxy-steamprocess, and advanced oxy-fuel systems.

» Signed an agreement with Foster Wheeler forcollaboration on oxy-fuel combustion and with Storkof Finland.

Out with the Water, in with the Gas:Enhancing the Capacity of CO2 Storagein Depleted Oil ReservoirsOne possible solution to reducing the amount of GHGemissions in the atmosphere is to store CO2 in oilreservoirs once they have been depleted of oil.However, during the oil recovery process, water isinjected into most oil reservoirs to help extract the oil,and the space that this water takes up limits the spacefor CO2 storage.

The objective of this project was to develop techniquesfor injecting CO2 into oil reservoirs that wouldefficiently displace the water and therefore increasethe CO2 storage capacity of these reservoirs. Toaccomplish this objective, the research teaminvestigated depleted oil reservoirs with differentconditions and oil-production histories. The study



comprised three tasks: laboratory CO2 sequestrationexperiments, core-scale numerical simulation, andfield-scale numerical simulation.

Project Title: Enhancing the Capacity of carbondioxide Storage by Removing the Remaining Water inDepleted Oil Reservoirs

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—CanmetENERGY, University of Regina, PetroleumResearch Council, Natural Sciences and EngineeringResearch Council

Achievements:

» The team successfully determined how CO2 shouldbe injected in oil reservoirs with different conditionsto achieve a maximum storage capacity.

» The results obtained in this project indicated thatCO2 capacity could be greatly enhanced by the fulluse of gravity force and film flow mechanism.

» Experimental results showed that the effect ofgravity on liquid flow can be ignored in the processof CO2 sequestration and that different flowdirections and injection rates result in differentirreducible liquid saturations.

» Simulations showed that well-pattern modification isthe most efficient method to enhance CO2 capacityin depleted oil reservoirs. It was found that addinghorizontal production wells in the bottom of thereservoir could improve the CO2 storage capacity bynearly 40 percent.

» Simulations also showed that a chemical sluginjection prior to CO2 injection will provide a lowerinterfacial tension (lower capillary force) conditionfor reducing both the irreducible water saturationand residual oil saturation.

Studying CO2 Injection in GeologicalFormations: Toward IntegratedMonitoring and Modelling ProtocolsFor large-scale carbon storage systems to be successful,proper monitoring is needed to refine estimates ofhow much CO2 can be contained in the reservoir, todetect CO2 leakage, and to determine the best remedialactions if leakage occurs. Monitoring programs willneed to vary the frequency and application of

monitoring tools, depending upon site-specificconditions. Furthermore, what is not commonlyaddressed in proposed monitoring programs is therole of predictive modelling in the design of themonitoring program or the protocols for themonitoring program.

Based on the research partners’ experience gained inmonitoring programs at the EnCana Midale enhancedoil recovery (EOR), the Penn West Cardium EOR, andthe EnerPlus Ardley enhanced coalbed methane(ECBM) sites, the team identified knowledge gaps inmodelling and monitoring. Addressing these gaps,which fall under the broad headings of capacity andcontainment, formed the basis for the research in thisproject. The goal was to establish a framework ofintegration for CO2 injection, storage reliability, andlong-term monitoring activities. The project involvedintegrated experimental, numerical, and fieldobservation approaches.

Project Title: Near- and Far-field Effects of carbondioxide Injection in Geological Formations: TowardIntegrated Monitoring and Modelling Protocols

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada;Penn West Energy Trust; University of Alberta;University of Calgary; Alberta Environment; BritishColumbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Achievements:

» Addressed several knowledge gaps based onanalysis of current monitoring protocols. Specifically,the knowledge gaps concerned integrity of thecements used in well systems, the integrity of caprocks, and deformation monitoring.

» Researchers advanced the understanding of applyinggeochemical and geomechanical effects to thereservoir simulators; design, construction, anddeployment of monitoring well systems; and use ofgeochemical models to assess geochemical trappingand in situ tracers.

» As a result of this new knowledge, the teammodified some monitoring protocols and developednew protocols.

» The protocols economically and effectively integratewith oil and gas drilling and completion practicesand are expected to be used by industry andgovernments in Canada and abroad.



Research Team Monitors Effects of CO2

Storage UndergroundEnhanced oil recovery (EOR) refers to the techniquesused for increasing the amount of oil that can beextracted from an oil reservoir. Regular oil recoveryonly extracts 20 to 40 percent of the oil, while EORaims to extract 30 to 60 percent of the oil. The mostcommon EOR technique involves injecting gas, such asCO2, into the oil reservoir so that it pushes theremaining oil out of the reservoir. The gas alsodissolves into the oil, lowering the oil’s viscosity andtherefore improving the oil’s flow rate out of thereservoir. An added benefit is that much of the CO2 isstored underground and away from the atmosphere.

To better understand the EOR process, this projectmonitored CO2 that was injected into an aquifer aspart of a pilot project started by a number oforganizations in Alberta in the winter of 2005. Theaquifer is found at the Penn West Pembina CardiumCO2 EOR site, near Drayton Valley, Alberta. Buildingon the Penn West pilot, this project consisted ofdrilling and installing shallow groundwatermonitoring wells to determine whether the CO2 wouldleak into groundwater supplies.

Project Title: Environmental Monitoring for PennWest carbon dioxide-Enhanced Oil Recovery Project

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada—CanmetENERGY, Alberta Research Council Inc.,EnergyINet, Alberta Environment, Penn West Energy Trust

Achievements:

» Researchers developed methodology and tools tomonitor the effectiveness of CO2 storage that can beused in future projects.

» The work completed for the Penn West PembinaCardium CO2-EOR Pilot Monitoring Project supportsdevelopment of this field for CO2 storage for EORoperations. Both capacity and confinement havebeen demonstrated, and injectivity is beingdemonstrated by EOR operations.

» Significant advances have been made inmeasurement, monitoring, and verification withdesign and deployment of an observation well,design of a well-cement sampling system, design anddeployment of an environmental monitoring system,use of vertical seismic profile (VSP) measurements,and the development of in situ tracers.


Decentralized Energy Production

Updated Standards Propel Wind EnergyDevelopmentAt the start of this project, Canadian standards forwind energy systems were out of date and notapplicable to modern wind energy technology. As aresult, the previous Canadian standards were animpediment to the industry. Regulators had to use apatchwork of approaches for granting permits, whichincreased risks and costs for developers. The projectestablished several technical sub-committees that notonly reviewed the Canadian Standards Association(CSA) Standards for Wind Energy ConservationSystems, but harmonized them with the InternationalElectrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Thisensured that the standards met Canadianenvironmental regulations as well as otherrequirements such as electrical and building codes. Theprocess engaged regulators, manufacturers,developers, and other industry stakeholders. The newstandards, approved by the CSA RenewablesCommittee, are more aligned with internationalstandards, which will minimize trade barriers, reducecosts and risks, and leverage international efforts tokeep standards current.

Project Title: Renewable Energy TechnologyDevelopment of National Standards

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Canadian Standards Association

Decentralized Energy ProductionCurrently, the majority of electricity in Canada is produced in large, centralized power plants anddistributed by electricity grids. Recent failures in electricity grids have raised concerns about theage and reliability of these systems. In addition, Canada’s centralized power plants contributesignificantly to Canada’s GHGs and other air emissions. Decentralized energy production,including renewable power, is a promising solution to these issues, but institutional barriers, poorreliability, and high system costs stand in the way of installing power-generating systems onindividual buildings.The Decentralized Energy Production technology area was established to support activities thatwill build the foundation for increased use of decentralized energy systems by 2025. Projects inthis technology area focused on researching and developing systems to increase the reliability ofCanada’s electric power system, to reduce GHG emissions from this system, and to accomplishthese goals at an acceptable economic cost to Canadians. This work also involved updating anddeveloping standards (e.g., codes and rules describing how to safely connect power technology),which is crucial to successfully deploying new technology.

Achievements:

» Publication and adoption of five new Canadian windturbine standards based on the IEC standards tobetter reflect modern wind energy technology. Theadopted standards were as follows:

• IEC 61400-1: Wind Turbine Design Requirements(numerous Canadian deviations)

• IEC 61400-2: Small Wind Turbine DesignRequirements (numerous Canadian deviations)

• IEC 61400-11 2nd Edition: Acoustic NoiseMeasurement Techniques

• IEC 61400-12-1: Power PerformanceMeasurements of Electricity Producing Turbines

• IEC 61400-24: Wind Turbine Lightning Protection(Canadian deviations)



Hot Green Homes: Solar ElectricityMeets Solar ThermalTechnological advances have increased the number ofways that solar energy can be used. Photovoltaic (PV)cells capture the sun’s energy to produce electricity ina sustainable manner. In addition, solar thermalrecuperation technology enables the sun’s energy to beused to heat buildings. This project examined ways tocombine solar electricity and solar thermal for use insingle-family homes.

In the first phase of the project, researchers focused onthe technical issues and strategies of integrating the PVand thermal (PV/T) systems into the buildingenvelope (i.e., the rooftop, awnings, and facades). They also devised ways to recover the excess heatgenerated by these systems to supply the heating andcooling demands of the home. (Of note is that PV cellsperform better when they are cooled.) The secondphase consisted of field testing the most promisingsystem design. This phase supported PV/Tdemonstrations in residential buildings (ÉcoTerra netzero energy home built by Alouette Homes as part ofCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’sEQuilibrium Initiative) and non-residential buildings(the University of Concordia’s new John MolsonSchool of Business building).

Project Title: Photovoltaic/Thermal Systems inResidential Homes

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Saskatchewan Research Council, Canada Mortgageand Housing Corporation, Conserval Engineering,University of Concordia, Canadian Solar BuildingsResearch Network (University of Concordia, Queen’sUniversity, University of New Brunswick, Universityof Waterloo), ARISE Technologies Corporation,Maisons Alouette (Aloutte Homes), InternationalEnergy Agency—Photovoltaic Power SystemsProgramme Task 35

Achievements:

» Investigated four PV/T concepts for residentialintegration and disseminated technical reports andfive papers at national and international conferences.

» Project partners took part in the 2005 U.S.Department of Energy Solar Decathlon todemonstrate integrated PV and solar thermal

technologies in a residential demo house, and tomodel for optimized PV/T system performance andheat recovery. This house received two first-placeawards from BP Solar and the U.S. National HomeBuilders Association for the best integrated systemand the most energy-efficient house.

» Project partners participated in Annex 35 of theInternational Energy Agency Solar Heating andCooling Program, focusing on energy analysis andmodelling of PV/T systems. The Solar BuildingsResearch Network hosted an Experts Group meetingof Annex 35 in Toronto and provided an opportunityto Canadian researchers to co-operate withinternational experts. Technical reports andcontribution to Annex outputs resulted from this activity.

» Project partners collaborated with several Canadianprivate-sector proponents to apply PV/T concepts inthe house designs submitted to the CanadaMortgage and Housing Corporation for funding underthe EQuilbrium Housing competition. These houseswere approved and have been constructed.

» A continuation of this project sought to strengthenthe competitive position of Canada’s solar energycompanies, enabling Canada to take advantage ofthe huge potential in the solar energy marketgrowth. An R&D network was established to identifyinnovative and promising new technologies thatCanada has the capacity to develop.

Mapping Canada’s Winds: New Wind Atlas Promotes RenewableEnergy IndustryTo guide the burgeoning Canadian wind industry,project partners developed a state-of-the-art WindAtlas that maps wind occurrences across Canada. TheWind Atlas is based on previous wind mapping workconducted by Environment Canada and a windmapping system called the Wind Energy SimulationToolkit (WEST) developed by the MeteorologicalService of Canada Research Branch. The objective ofthe Wind Atlas is primarily to show Canadians anddecision makers the wind energy potential of Canadaand to provide free wind data to individuals whowant to do a pre-feasibility assessment of their windproject. Wind information is provided at three heights



and can be interpolated or extrapolated to providewind information at any height for the first fewhundred metres above ground.

Project Title: National Wind Atlas and Related Tools

Performers and Partners: Environment Canada,Natural Resources Canada, National Research Council Canada

Achievements:

» Developed a Wind Atlas that consists of a large setof web-accessible, geo-referenced digital mapsdisplaying long-term wind statistics, such as speedand direction frequencies, and seasonal fluctuations.

» Unlike the U.S. Wind Atlas, which features 50 smallmaps side-by-side, the Canadian Wind Atlas consistsof a mosaic of 18 maps. To develop this mosaic,Environment Canada had to develop a newtechnique. This “mosaic technique” is now beingused to develop wind atlases of other largecountries, such as China.

» Many provinces have used the wind data developedfor the Wind Atlas as the basis for the developmentof their own provincial wind atlases.

» Since the launch of the Wind Atlas, which can bedownloaded for free by anyone, the project partnersreport that they have stopped hearing people arguethat there is no good wind in Canada and thatinvesting in wind energy in Canada is a waste oftime and money.

» Information from the Wind Atlas and related toolswill not only help in the building of new wind farms,but will guide their operation and management (e.g.,forecasting of low-wind days to schedule turbinemaintenance work).

Fish-friendly, Variable-speed, Low-headTurbine System DevelopedThis project focused on developing two newhydropower turbine systems that would beeconomically viable and environmentally friendly,especially to fish populations.

Hydroelectricity is the most widely used form ofrenewable energy, typically resulting in lower GHGemissions than fossil fuel power plants. The energy

generated depends essentially on the efficiency of thepower generation systems, the volume of water, andthe difference in height—called the head—between thesource and the water’s outflow. High-headhydroelectric power systems generate more energy,but they often require the building of dams and waterreservoirs, which have negative environmental andhuman impacts. Even low-head systems have negativeenvironmental impacts because they kill fish that passthrough the turbines. In addition, when water levelsdrop, available energy drops in proportion to the headand flow.

Canada has a significant low-head hydro potential,estimated to be over 4,000 MW for heads ranging from3 to 15 metres. But to take advantage of this potential,new turbine systems were needed to overcomeeconomic and aquatic ecosystem challenges.

Project Title: Fish-friendly, Variable-speed, Low-headTurbine System

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Rapid-Eau Technologies Inc., University of NewBrunswick, Powerbase Automation Inc., SwiderskiEngineering, Norcan Hydraulic Turbine Inc., GEHydro, Alstom Power

Achievements:

» The project team developed two low-head turbinesystems that address heads from 7 to 15 metres and3 to 7 metres, respectively. The systems includeturbines, generators, power convectors, and controls.

» Operating at variable-speed, the propeller turbinescan run over a wide operating range (low or highflows) with high efficiencies and high turndown ratio.Therefore, more power can be generated overall.

» The turbine systems are non-regulated, requiring ano-speed increaser (gearbox), which reduces theoverall cost for run-of-river applications. Run-of-riverrefers to low-head operations that do not require alarge dam or water storage reservoirs to be built.

» The turbines are expected to reduce fish mortality toless than 5 percent (typically, 5 to 10 percent of fishpassing through the best existing turbines are killed,while 30 percent or more are killed passing throughother turbines).



New Standards and Certification toSmooth Adoption of Alternative EnergyBringing together multiple stakeholders, this projectwas launched to build consensus on requirements forthe interconnection of distributed energy resources(DERs) to the power grid in Canada and to increaseCanadian participation in the development ofinternational interconnection standards. DERs aresmall power generators, often running on solar, wind,or microhydropower, which are located near the areaof highest power consumption. To enable the bestpossible use of DERs, new standards and codesneeded to be developed and old ones neededupdating, especially on contentious issues such asways of disconnecting from the grid, islanding, andpower quality.

Over 50 Canadian experts participated in this project tomake Canadian standards consistent with internationalequivalents and to ensure that Canadian requirementsare recognized in international standards.

In a continuation of this project, collaboratorsdeveloped standards, certification programs, andregulations for distributed generation products. Thesesafety and performance standards will assure end-users that the products meet quality criteria withoutthe need for additional testing.

Project Title: Distributed Generation ProductStandards and Certification

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada;CSA International; Electro Federation of Canada—Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Advisory Council;Xantrex Technology; City of Vancouver; members ofIEC TC8; members of IEEE 1547 Standard forInterconnecting Distributed Resources with ElectricPower Systems and IEEE P1547.1 Draft Standard forConformance Tests Procedures for EquipmentInterconnecting Distributed Resources with ElectricPower Systems; Canadian Standards Association—Steering Committee on Requirements for ElectricalSafety (SCORES); Canadian Standards Association—Steering Committee on Power Engineering (SCOPE);members of CE Code Section 50 Committee, membersof CSA C22.2 107.1 Standard General Use PowerSupplies Technical Committee; McGill University;University of Alberta; University of New Brunswick;members of IEC TC 4 (Hydro), members of IEC TC 82(photovoltaics); members of IEC TC 88 (wind turbine);members of ISO TC97 (microturbines); members of

IEC TC 105 (fuel cells); BC Hydro; NB Power;Manitoba Hydro; Nova Scotia Power Inc.; Hydro-Quebec; ENMAX Corporation; EPCOR;SaskPower; Hydro One; Toronto Hydro;Manufacturers of DG, systems integrators, powerconversion equipment, motors, transformers, andelectrical distribution equipment

Achievements:

» Publication of CSA C22.2 as a national standard on the interconnection of inverter-based systems tothe electrical distribution system. This standard isthe successful conclusion of the MicroPower Connect initiative.

» Successful development of a draft standard for heatmeters (adoption of EN 1434) and the inclusion ofnatural gas for emergency power plants CSA C282.

» Changes were made to the Canadian Electrical Codein Section 14 (Protection and Control), Section 50(Photovoltaics), and Section 84 (Interconnection).

» Completed 2nd National Standard CSA 22.3 No.9Interconnection of Distributed Resources withElectrical Supply Systems.

» Adoption by provinces of CAN/CSA-C22.22 NO.257-06 Interconnecting Inverter-based Micro-distributedResources to Distribution Systems.

» The work on standards completed in this project isvital to ensuring that the power technologydeveloped in other parts of the Decentralized EnergyProduction technology area can be deployed.Furthermore, by ensuring that key developments arerepresented in the Canadian Electrical Code,manufacturers, installers, and electrical inspectorsacross Canada can deal with consistent requirements.

» A peer review meeting entitled “DER InterconnectionStandards, R&D, and Project Implementation” washeld March 25, 2008, in Toronto. It was organizedby Natural Resources Canada in collaboration withElectro-Federation Canada. The 65 attendeeslearned about the latest development ininterconnection R&D, technical requirements, andstandards. Contributors shared their experience onlessons learned and practical issues on successfulprojects. The information is now publicly available at<www.powerconnect.ca/references/presentations-e.htm>.



Decentralized Energy Production and Clean Coal and Carbon DioxideCapture and Storage

Ammonia to Fuel the FutureSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have several benefitsover other types of fuel cells. They can run on a varietyof fuels and are particularly efficient in converting thefuels to electricity. When the heat that is generatedfrom the reaction is harnessed (instead of escaping aswaste), SOFCs become combined heat and power(CHP) systems. The project team wanted to take thesebenefits one step further by developing an SOFC thatcan run on anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammoniais a clean and potentially renewable hydrogen carrierfuel. It has high energy density and is handled muchlike propane. Ammonia already has a widespreaddistribution infrastructure related to its use inagriculture, which makes it readily available andfeasible to use as a fuel for SOFCs. By the nature of theindustrial process, pure CO2 is a by-product ofammonia production from natural gas (or other fossilfuels) and, as such, can be sequestered economically.

Previously, Natural Resources Canada conducted in-house R&D to develop a zero-emissions ammoniafuel cell. In partnerships with Acumentrics Canada,Natural Resources Canada tested ammonia inAcumentrics’ SOFC stack, which is integral to itsnatural gas-based SOFC systems. The goal was toaccelerate fuel cell technology development, leading tomore widespread acceptance and use of ammonia as aclean and potentially renewable fuel for efficientstationary, decentralized CHP.

Project Title: Zero emission Ammonia Fuel Cells forDecentralized Power Generation

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Terra Environmental Technologies, Agrium,Acumentrics Canada

Achievements:

» The project team successfully developed and testednovel proton-conducting ceramic fuel cell materialsfor direct ammonia fuel cells. Power densitiesachieved in the anode-supported single-cell fuelcells, rivalled commercial zirconia-type SOFCs, andoperated at lower temperatures.

» This work resulted in numerous peer-reviewedjournal publications and conference presentations.

» A preliminary evaluation assessed the technical andeconomic feasibility of exploiting ammonia as acarbon-free energy carrier, and using direct ammoniafuel cells for critical uninterruptible power and CHP.

» The project team evaluated ammonia as a fuel andmeasured the performance characteristics ofAcumentrics Canada’s proprietary SOFC, which isbeing developed to run on natural gas for residentialCHP. Preliminary results were very encouraging.



Gas Line Expander Turbine Combinedwith a Molten Carbonate Fuel CellOpportunities exist to achieve greater energyefficiency by harnessing waste heat and using it toproduce power. Experts in government and industrycollaborated to seize this opportunity and build a newcombined-cycle power plant using pipeline gaspressure (a waste product) and a molten carbonatefuel cell.

A hybrid power plant was built on the site of a gas pipeline let-down station in Toronto. The hybridpower station combines a 1 MW gas expansion turbinewith a 1.2 MW molten carbonate fuel cell. The fuel celloperates at temperatures over 650°C and the waste heat from this operation preheats gas flow intothe turbine.

Project Title: Distributed Energy Resources FuelCell/Expander

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Enbridge Gas Distribution, Toronto Hydro,Government of Ontario

Achievements:

» The Fuel cell expander combined-cycle plantproduces ultra-clean emissions. In comparison, the990 MW Goreway plant located near Toronto, astate-of-the-art, gas-fired power plant with full gascleanup, emits 13 times more criteria aircontaminants (CACs) on a g/kWh basis.

» Institutional barriers were removed, including apermit issue identified with the City of Toronto, thus paving the way for future distributed generation projects.

» The expansion turbine is now operational.

» The fuel cell has also been commissioned andcombined operation is expected in 2009.

» A second project to build a 7.9 MW power plant isunder development in the U.S. with Enbridge GasDistribution investment.


Hydrogen Economy

Biomass By-products for Hydrogen ProductionThis feasibility study identified Canadian sources ofbiomass by-products from industry that can be usedfor hydrogen production. The Canadian biomasssources studied included waste from the forestry andagriculture sectors, the pulp and paper industry, andglycerol, which is a by-product of biodiesel production.

The project resulted in a report that outlined the twomain categories of technologies for the conversion ofbiomass to hydrogen: biological processes and thermalprocesses. Biological processes include biophotolysis,biological water-gas shift reactions, photofermentation,and dark fermentation. However, these are still in theearly stages of development and, therefore, were notelaborated in the report. The three main categories ofthermal processes are pyrolysis, liquefaction, andgasification. The report provides a more in-depthdiscussion of the two most efficient thermal processes,pyrolysis and gasification. Moreover, a briefdiscussion of two new gasification technologies—biomass gasification in supercritical water andcatalytic thermal conversion—was presented.

Project Title: Biomass By-products to ProduceHydrogen

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Hydrogen EconomyHydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and, although it does not occur naturallyon earth as a gas, it can be separated from other elements and used as an energy carrier orfuel. Hydrogen is the cleanest burning and most efficient fuel, offering two to three times moreenergy per unit of mass than other common fuels. Using hydrogen as an energy carrier has agreat potential to lower GHG emissions, improve air quality, promote industrial development, andgenerate wealth.The Hydrogen Economy technology area was established to expand knowledge and advancetechnologies that mitigate climate change and air pollution through hydrogen use. Thistechnology area facilitated hydrogen-related R&D that would contribute to creating a hydrogenenergy economy. In such an economy, hydrogen would be extensively used as an energy carrierand chemical feedstock. The projects under this technology area focused on hydrogenproduction, storage, and use, as well as the codes, standards, safety, and outreach mechanismsnecessary to guide these processes.

Achievements:

» The resulting report evaluates the economic and technical feasibility of using biomass sources and conversion technologies for efficienthydrogen production.

» The project identified pulp waste as a potentialsource of 145,000 tonnes per year of hydrogen, andglycerol as a potential source of 70,000 tonnes peryear of hydrogen.

» It was determined that production of hydrogen from biomass via gasification is economicallycomparable to steam methane reforming if GHGimpacts are considered.


Hydrogen Economy

New Materials Improve Hydrogen Fuel CellsSolid oxide (ceramic) fuel cells produce energy byadding oxygen to a fuel. The ceramic conductselectricity while keeping the oxygen and hydrogenseparate. The most commonly used ceramic, zirconia,requires a high operating temperature (600°C to1,000°C) to be efficient. The high temperaturenecessitates the use of high-cost materials in the fuelcell’s construction and affects the life and reliability ofthe fuel cells.

This project investigated the use of alternativeceramics, such as lanthanum gallate, for use in solidoxide fuel cells to allow the operating temperature tobe reduced to the 500°C to 800°C temperature range.Enabling fuel cell operation at this temperature rangewould mean a wider range of materials could be usedin their construction, including metallic components,reducing the cost as well as extending the life andreliability of the fuel cells.

Project Title: Materials for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,National Research Council Canada

Achievements:

» The publications produced as a result of theresearch are widely cited in the scientific literaturerelated to solid oxide fuel cells.

» Published seven papers in international peer-reviewed journals.

» Developed novel electrolyte materials for solid oxidefuel cells in the 500°C to 800°C temperature range.

Converting Sour Gas into HydrogenNatural gas contains various levels of hydrogensulphide (H2S). When the concentration of H2S innatural gas is particularly high, it is commonlyreferred to as “sour gas.” Because H2S bonds requireless energy to split than other compounds that containhydrogen, such as water or methane, H2S is apromising source for low-cost hydrogen.

In this project, Kingston Process Metallurgy adapted an innovative H2S splitting technology todevelop a hydrogen production method. This methodwould allow hydrogen to be produced from sour gasat a low cost and with limited CO2 generation.

The method isolates the H2S gas using existingtechnology, then bubbles the gas through moltencopper. Pure hydrogen gas is released and captured,while the sulfur reacts with the copper and turns itinto copper sulfide. The reactions between the H2S andcopper and the copper sulfide and air release energythat helps to heat the system, thus increasingefficiency.

Project Title: Hydrogen Production from HydrogenSulphide and Methane

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc., U.S. Department ofEnergy—Argonne National Laboratory

Achievements:

» The research team defined optimum experimentalconditions including cycle rate, extent of reaction,control of end-of-cycles, carbon removal fromhydrocarbons, H2S to hydrocarbon ratio, and impactof impurities.

» The research team developed a lab-scale reactorcapable of handling H2S with a flow rate of 20 L/min.

» Performed calculations that optimized the processand system for industrial-scale hydrogen production.This included determining the optimum rate ofhydrocarbon injection for application on theindustrial scale.

» In addition to producing hydrogen from sour gas,this process also produces concentrated sulphuricacid, a valuable product in the chemical industry and agriculture.

» This project was highlighted on the Argonne website.


Hydrogen Economy

Nanomaterials Advance Hydrogen StorageExisting hydrogen storage systems for use in vehiclesare heavy and expensive since they are based oncompression or liquefaction of hydrogen. Makinghydrogen a viable alternative to carbon-based fuelswill depend on developing compact and lightweighthydrogen storage systems for vehicles using low-costmaterials and components. Research worldwide in thisarea is focused on creating hydrides, which arecompounds of hydrogen and other materials. Variousapproaches and materials, mostly involvinglightweight metals, are being investigated.

This project examined the use of novel nanomaterials and emerging nanotechnologies forhydrogen storage. One area investigated was the useof magnesium to store hydrogen through the creationof magnesium hydride or magnesium chemicalhydride complexes. Research was also conducted intothe use of metal-water slurries. The project alsoinvestigated hydrogen storage and delivery usingwater-soluble borohydrides.

Project Title: Nanomaterials for Hydrogen Storage

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,University of Waterloo, INCO (now Vale INCO),University of Wollongong (Australia), RussianAcademy of Sciences, and Hy-Energy (U.S.)

Achievements:

» In partnership with the University of Waterloo,developed new process for charging hydrides inmechanical ball mills fed with hydrogen underambient temperature and pressure.

» Through an international collaborative project, jointlydeveloped new nanostructural materials Mg2FeH6

and (nano) Ni-catalyzed MgH2.

» In partnership with INCO, developed new nanonickelcatalyst for hydrogen storage in magnesium metal.

» Published more than 40 technical papers ininternational R&D journals.

Towards a Successful Wind-Hydrogen-Diesel DemonstrationRamea Island, located off the coast of Newfoundland,was chosen in 2004 to be the site of Canada’s firstwind-diesel demonstration project. The wind turbinesare so productive that the energy generated oftenexceeds the community’s needs. Since the wind energycannot be easily stored, the excess energy that isgenerated is lost. Meanwhile, during periods when thewind turbines are not able to produce enough energy,the community must rely on diesel generators toproduce electricity.

This project involved conducting a feasibility study todetermine whether hydrogen technology could beused to capture and store the wind energy being lost.If possible, the small island would be able to reducethe use of diesel generators when demand is low.

Simulations were developed to analyze the impact ofadding hydrogen generation, storage, and utilizationtechnologies to the current wind-diesel demonstrationproject. Specifically, the study’s objective was to lookat using the electricity created by the wind turbines tocreate hydrogen through electrolysis and then storingthe hydrogen for future use.

Project Title: Ramea Island Wind Demonstration Project

Performers and Partners: Newfoundland andLabrador Hydro, Atlantic Canada OpportunitiesAgency, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,Natural Resources Canada, Memorial University,University of New Brunswick, Frontier Power Systems

Achievements:

» The model designed by this study will have thepotential to evaluate the feasibility of future wind-diesel-hydrogen demonstrations.

» This tool will be useful for decision-making processesby power utility companies.


Advanced End-use Efficiency

TransportationTransportation is the single largest source of GHGemissions in Canada, accounting for 25 percent(179 million tonnes) of the country’s totalemissions in 2000. The objectives of theTransportation technology area were to gain abetter understanding of the transportationsector’s role in climate change, including themagnitude of its role and the mechanismsinvolved. Furthermore, the technology area aimedto develop and implement new technologies tomitigate the transportation sector’s contributionto climate change, thereby strengtheningCanada’s technology capacity for a more efficienttransportation system.

Black Carbon DemystifiedBlack carbon is created through the incompletecombustion of fuels, including fossil fuels, biofuels,and biomass. Research indicates that it is the secondmost important contributor to global warming afterCO2. Black carbon contributes to climate change byabsorbing sunlight and heating the surrounding air.When deposited on ice and snow, black carbondecreases the reflection of sunlight, thereby increasingthe rate of ice and snow melt.

Black carbon from different sources has very differentphysical and chemical characteristics. Thesecharacteristics are altered when the particles are

Advanced End-use EfficiencyEnd-use energy is the final energy used by residential, commercial, and industrial communitiesand the transportation systems that connect them. It differs from supply-side energy, which isthe energy used to extract, convert, and transport energy resources to users. Improving end-useenergy efficiency plays a major role in reducing GHG emissions and curbing climate change. Inaddition, it is significantly less expensive to reduce the amount of energy used than to producemore energy.The Advanced End-use Efficiency strategic area researched and developed energy-efficienttechnologies that would help in building, renewing, and powering communities andinfrastructures while reducing emissions of GHGs and other pollutants. The Advanced End-useEfficiency strategic area funded three technology areas: Transportation, Industry, and Buildings(Commercial and Residential) and Communities.

emitted into the atmosphere. Black carbon is emittedin one locale (i.e., an urban area), mixes with air fromother polluted areas, and then mixes with relativelyclean air from remote locations.

The exact role and extent of black carbon’s impact onclimate change is unknown due to significantknowledge gaps related to the amount of black carbonin the atmosphere and its chemical and physicalproperties. These knowledge gaps make it difficult todevelop accurate models of climate change that takeinto account black carbon’s effects.

This project examined the contribution that NorthAmerican emissions make to black carbon atmosphericlevels in the northern hemisphere using black carbonmeasurements from the Canadian Arctic. Researchersalso investigated the relative contribution of blackcarbon from transportation sources versus othersources, such as forest fires. Finally, the researcherssought to couple regional air quality models withhemispheric black carbon models. Analysis of this data included isolating Canadian transportationsources of black carbon and determining theirinfluence on variations of black carbon concentrationsover North America and the Arctic at different pointsin time and space.

Project Title: Black Carbon Emissions andAtmospheric Levels in Canada

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,National Research Council Canada—Institute forChemical Process and Environmental Technology,Environment Canada—Emissions Research andMeasurement Division, Environment Canada—



Meteorological Service of Canada, Ontario Ministry ofthe Environment, York University, University ofToronto, University of Windsor, University of WesternOntario, University of British Columbia, United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency, United StatesNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,United States Department of Agriculture—DesertResearch Institute, Tsinghua University (China),Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences(China), International Steering Committee for BlackCarbon Reference Materials, Artium Technologies Inc.,Sandia National Laboratories (United StatesDepartment of Energy), Cranfield University (United Kingdom)

Achievements:

» Developed capability to reliably assess the impact of black carbon (and organic carbon)emissions both globally and within Canada on airquality and climate.

» Developed new modules for the enhancement of the Canadian Global Climate Model that willimprove its effectiveness and increase its usefulnessin policy development.

» Field trials have shown that it is possible tounambiguously measure black carbon levels in the atmosphere.

» Analysis of black carbon measurements from Arcticdatabases narrowed down the source areas to bepredominantly in continental Asia.

» Helped to demonstrate that particulate contributionto global warming is the greatest uncertainty inclimate change models.

» Multi-year measurements have improved the current knowledge of aerosols and will allow better estimates of their impact on Canadian andglobal climate.

» Three peer-reviewed publications, one Ph.D. thesis,and content contribution to a book.

Curbing Off-road EmissionsOff-road transportation equipment, which includeseverything from lawn tractors to snowmobiles toexcavators, is a significant contributor to GHGemissions and other air pollutants. However, there are

considerable knowledge gaps in the area of off-roadmachine contributions to GHG emissions in Canada.This is exemplified by the fact that the current GHGemissions estimates for these machines, based onemission factors and activity information, are notreflected in estimates based on actual fuelconsumption during real-world use.

This project involved collecting activity informationfor a variety of off-road equipment operated outdoorsunder real-world conditions. A data acquisitionsystem was developed and used to take measurementsfrom governed spark ignition engines. This systemwas then modified for use in recreational vehicles anddeployed to gather real-world activity data on asnowmobile and all-terrain vehicle. Another dataacquisition system was designed for diesel enginesand installed on City of Ottawa equipment. Themeasurements were then used to quantify GHGemissions and fuel consumption.

Project Title: Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Off-road Transportation Sources

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Carleton University, City of Ottawa, United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency

Achievements:

» Measurements taken using data acquisition systemsshowed that there was a marked difference betweenestablished testing protocols and the real activitylevels observed under actual operations.

» Developed a knowledge base of GHG emissions and activity. As a result, recommendationscan now be made to change the way the equipmentis used to reduce fuel consumption and GHGemission that encompass both new and in-serviceoff-road machines.

» Collaborations spanning provincial and municipal governments.

» Linked with Environment Canada Off-road CO2 Initiative.

» Two students and research fellows developed newskills in measuring vehicle activity, in interpretingthat data into useful laboratory testing procedures,and in quantifying CO2 emissions from this sector.

» Published an internal technical report.



Advanced Fuels for HomogenousCharge Compression Ignition EnginesThe upcoming 2010 diesel emission standards forNorth America mandate drastically reducedparticulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)emissions. To comply with these standards,automotive manufacturers may look to homogenouscharge compression ignition (HCCI), which offers thepotential of diesel-like fuel conversion efficiency (25 to30 percent higher) with low emissions of PM and NOx.This project studied the effects of fuel properties onHCCI combustion under various conditions to developa practical method for rating the combustion quality ofHCCI fuels.

The National Research Council Canada (NRC)commissioned a state-of-the-art facility to clarify therelationship between fuel chemistry and theperformance and emissions from an HCCI engine.HCCI combustion and emissions data were collectedusing commercial gasoline and diesel fuels. A noveldiesel fuel vaporizer was then developed to improvefuel-air mixing using middle distillates. The vaporizerwill enable NRC researchers to become leaders inquantifying the auto-ignition behaviour of HCCI fuelsunder realistic in-cylinder conditions.

NRC plans to continue studying this area to supportthe development of a future American Society forTesting and Material method for rating HCCI fuels, aswell as to ensure that the Canadian oil sands andrenewable fuels industries are able to profit from thisemerging opportunity.

Project Title: Advanced Fuels for HomogenousCharge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engines

Performers and Partners: National Research CouncilCanada, Natural Resources Canada, United StatesDepartment of Energy–National Renewable EnergyLaboratory, Environment Canada

Achievements:

» NRC researchers were the first to report increasedNOx emissions when combustion phasing (the timingof auto-ignition) is slowed.

» Disseminated HCCI combustion knowledge to thescientific community, the oil industry, and fuel policy-makers.

» Developed new skills in the measurement of vehicleactivity, in the interpretation of that data into usefullaboratory testing procedures, and in thequantification of GHG emissions from this sector.

» The project generated two conference publicationsin fiscal year 2007 to 2008, as well as six otherpublications with the related Program of EnergyResearch and Development (PERD) Advanced Fuels and Transportation Emissions Reduction(AFTER) Program.

Multinational Venture for Safe andFuel-efficient Lightweight VehiclesThis project set out to substantially decrease theweight of vehicles—to reduce GHG and otheremissions—while at the same time improving vehiclesafety. To achieve this dual task, ultra-high-strengthsteels (UHSS) were used in a redesigned safety cage ofvehicles and combined with light magnesium alloysfor their front-end structure.

In the first part of the project, steelmakers andautomotive producers in Canada and the U.S.collaborated to determine the process window for hotforming and die quenching of UHSS. They alsoassessed performance coating during hot forming andtested the mechanical properties of the steel under theprocess conditions.

Under the second part of the project, Canadacollaborated with the U.S. and China to develop initialdesigns for two automotive sub-assemblies (front end)using magnesium in place of current steel parts.Partners are moving on to design, manufacture, andassemble magnesium components and test them fortheir performance. Some of these components arealready in production vehicles today, with others stillin their final design stage.



The knowledge and technologies developed throughthis project could contribute to the development ofhybrid (diesel) and fuel cell vehicle technology, whichcalls for low vehicle weight without compromisingpassenger safety.

Project Title: Lightweight Vehicle-body Architecture(LiVBA) Project: Part I – Advanced ultra-high-strengthSteel (UHSS) Processing, Manufacturing, and UserProperties; Part II – Magnesium Front-endDevelopment (MFED)

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,United States Department of Energy, Chinese Ministryof Science and Technology, Cosma International, G-Mag International, Husky Energy, Trimag, Auto SteelPartnership, Magna International, Martinrea,Centreline, USCAR

Achievements:

» The project generated technology transfer toindustry partners on hot forming, phasetransformation during hot forming, andmicrostructure control in hardened parts.

» The work has confirmed that galvanized steel issuitable for indirect forming, leading to significantcost reductions.

» Husky Energy and G-MAG (member of MagnaInternational) jointly developed thixomoldingtechnology to cast a magnesium component for thefront end.

» Cosma Engineering (member of MagnaInternational) designed the first magnesium frontend, which was 40 kg lighter than conventional steelfront ends.

» Project partners worked with the Canadian company Centreline to demonstrate that coldspraying technology can protect magnesium alloysfrom corrosion.

Safety Key to Powering NextGeneration of Hybrid VehiclesHybrid electric vehicles are effective for reducingGHGs as well as particulate, toxic, and smog-formingemissions. However, these vehicles currently usenickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which take upsignificant cargo space and lose power quickly. This

project aimed to address these issues by developing alithium ion battery—with three times the energystorage density of NiMH—that would be safe enoughfor use in hybrid vehicles.

The approach in this project was to replace theflammable liquid organic electrolyte of conventionallithium ion batteries with a solid electrolyte of similarionic conductivity. Plastic crystal electrolytes andceramic oxide electrolytes were investigated, as well asthe cycling stability of metal alloy anodes incombination with plastic crystal electrolytes andlithium iron phosphate cathodes.

New electrode and electrolyte materials developed inthe first two years of this project have shown excellentperformance characteristics in early-stage testing inlaboratory-scale batteries. However, theircompatibility with other cell components and theirlonger term durability must be verified.

Project Title: High Energy Density Electrical Storagefor Hybrid, Fuel Cell, and Electric Vehicles

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Electrovaya, Defence Research and DevelopmentCanada

Achievements:

» New electrolyte formulations significantly improvethe safety of lithium ion batteries while retaining therequired performance characteristics for use inhybrid, fuel cell, and electric vehicles.

» Filed a provisional patent application based on theearly results of the project.

» Developed a novel method of synthesis of low-cost,high-voltage cathodes that results in concurrentimprovements in battery safety and storage capacity retention.

» Project partners demonstrated safe, higher energyand power density lithium ion batteries suitable for arange of transportation applications.

» Project partners assisted in the planning andorganization of the first international conference onplug-in hybrid electric vehicles, held in Winnipeg inNovember 2007.

» Initiated discussions with potential industrial partnersregarding commercialization of new electrolyteformulations developed under this project.



IndustryCanada’s industry sector accounts forapproximately one third of energy use and onefifth of emissions. The Industry technology area’sobjective was to conduct R&D and facilitateinnovation that would lead to clean, efficient, andeconomic energy use by industry. The Industrytechnology area focused on the approximately 30largest heavy industries in Canada that areresponsible for 80 percent of Canadian industry’sGHG emissions. Heavy industries include pulp andpaper, mining and smelt, chemical refining,petroleum refining, and others.

Efficient Mixing in Chemical Reactors toReduce Energy and GHGsMany chemical reactors and combustion systems(burners) require the dispersal and mixing of liquidfeedstocks as droplets in an airborne stream to createthe conditions necessary for reaction. The behaviour ofthese particles in the airborne stream is referred to asmultiphase flow. The size distribution, the distributionwithin the aerosol stream, and the mixing of thevarious components is crucial to the efficiency of thereaction processes.

Chemical reactors encourage this mixing by forcingthe aerosol stream past baffles and through channels.With a better understanding of the fundamentals ofphenomena such as fluid turbulence, shear, and phase-changes, it is possible to achieve mixing without theneed for these energy-wasting barriers. The key lies inthe design of the reactor configuration and the nozzlesthat generate the aerosols. This project built onprevious research at the NRC in the application ofcomplex computer modelling tools to the design ofenergy-saving nozzles for application in bitumenprocessing in the heavy oil industry. The design isbeing commercialized by a Calgary company.

This project focused on designing simpler, moreenergy-efficient chemical reactors and on developingthe thermodynamics and the computer tools needed tomodel the impacts of nozzle and reactor design on themixing that takes place inside the reactor.

Project Title: Development of Multiphase FlowFundamentals for Next-generation technology toMitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Performers and Partners: National Research CouncilCanada—Institute for Chemical Process andEnvironmental Technology, University of Ottawa,Nagoya University (Japan), Dynatec Corporation, ShellCanada, ETX Systems Inc.

Achievements:

» Conducted pilot-scale experiments at NRC’smultiphase flow laboratories to examine the complexnature of energy-intensive industrial multiphase flow.

» Conducted detailed experiments on the laboratorymultiphase contactors to examine the multiphaseflow behaviour in the phase-mixing arrangements ofcommercial-scale nozzles.

» Purchased and used a new laser diagnostic system,Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), to profile flow inconjunction with dynamic pressure signal analysis toobtain more detailed information on the overallmultiphase flow behaviour and patterns found inindustrial chemical reactors.

» Developed a generalized Droplet Population BalanceModel (DPBM) that simulates multiphase and spraybehaviour for energy-saving reactors.

» Identified a new approach for passive mixing ofmultiple phases (without the use of baffles, otherobstructions, or mixing devices) that depends on thegeometrical design of a flow channel path. Thispattern of mixing and phase redistribution may havesignificant effects on increasing heat and mass transfer and energy efficiency of multiphaseflow reactors.

» A two-phased internally mixed feed nozzle forenergy-efficient processing of heavy oil in EXTSystems Inc. reactors as developed and tested inthis Alberta-based company’s pilot plant facility.



Iron and steel production involves consumption ofvarious fossil fuels in large blast furnaces—a processthat produces significant amounts of GHGs annually.Solid fuel in the form of coke provides most of theenergy for generating the high temperatures required.It also serves as a reagent in converting raw ore tomolten iron. Smaller amounts of liquid, gaseous, andpowder fuels are injected to supplement and controlthe combustion processes. If these fossil fuels could beto some extent substituted by renewable biofuels,GHGs could be reduced and steel production inCanada would become greener and more sustainable.The project team set out to determine what type ofbiomass would be most effective for the substitutionand how much could be added to steelmakingprocesses to reduce GHGs without sacrificingproduction. The biofuels studied were switchgrass,willow, charcoal, and pyrolysis oil.

The first part of the project examined the effect ofusing biomass in the gas/liquid/powder streams thatare injected into the blast furnace. The project partnersdeveloped a software model to simulate the impacts ofbiomass substitution on the heat and mass balances inthe blast furnace. The new model analyzed actualCanadian industrial blast furnace operating data fromDofasco, Stelco, and Algoma.

The second part of the project examined thesubstitution of charcoal for coke. Coke is made byfeeding bituminous coal into a coke oven heated tohigh temperatures for 14 to 36 hours. In addition, theproject team studied the feasibility of using coke madefrom biomass. In a preliminary coking study, varyingamounts of commercial-grade charcoal (biomass) wereadded to an industrial coke oven blend andcarbonized. The researchers then evaluated the coke quality.

The third part of the project examined the use ofcharcoal (biomass) for slag forming in the electric arc furnace (EAF) process and the potential for GHG reduction.

Project Title: Canadian Steel Breakthrough Program—Biofuels for Canadian Steelmakers

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Canadian Carbonization Research Association,Canadian Steel Producers Association, McGillUniversity, BioCAP, Dofasco, International Iron andSteel Institute (IISI)

Achievements:

» Developed a new software model replicating blastfurnace behaviour. It features a graphical userinterface, reduced calculation time, and moreflexibility in accepting industrial data.

» It was estimated that 50 percent biofuel substitutionof injected fuels could reduce GHG emissionssubstantially while maintaining proper operation ofthe blast furnace in the steelmaking process.

» The reduction in GHG emission is strongly affectedby the chemical composition of the biofuel as well asthe type of fossil fuel being replaced. Evaluationsindicate that biomass high in carbon content (e.g.,wood chars) is the best biomass substitute for coaland coke.

» Results showed that adding biomass in the form ofcharcoal during coke production decreases cokequality, but that two percent addition produces agrade of coke acceptable to industry. This finding isan important first step, and strategies to increasethe acceptable level of charcoal addition are being assessed.

» Results indicated that substituting fossil fuel injectionby charcoal injection in EAF steelmaking couldreduce GHG emissions of the slag foaming processby 25 percent.

» The project team inventoried Canada’s biomass andfound that the demand for biomass in Canada tosupport industrial-scale application can easily be met.

» An economic overview of biomass use wasconducted and the results show that presently, onlygaseous biofuels can be economically competitivewith fossil fuels for use in the Canadian iron andsteel industry.

Industry and Biotechnology

Biofuels for Canadian Steelmakers



Mining Process Optimization YieldsExplosive Energy SavingsHard rock mining typically involves a blastingoperation that produces large rock fragments. Blastingis followed by a series of crushing and grindingoperations that yield an aggregate within a size rangesuitable for further processing. The crushing andgrinding operations are referred to as comminution. Itis well documented that crushing requires about 10 times more energy than blasting, and grindingabout 100 times more. Current mining industryoperations show 3 to 5 percent energy distribution forblasting, 5 to 7 percent for crushing, and 90 percent forgrinding. Therefore, blasting techniques that result inan aggregate that requires less crushing and grindingcould reduce energy requirements.

Improved blasting design and the use of electronicdetonators are known to enhance rock fragmentationand reduce material strength. Because blasting pre-weakens the rock material and produces finer andmore homogenized fragments, it enables easiercrushing and grinding later on. This project developeda technique that uses electronic blasting detonators toimprove material excavation, transportation, crushing,and grinding. The project also developed amethodology for assessing the efficiency ofcomminution processes. This methodology integratesthe most advanced tools for comminution processanalysis, and could facilitate further testing andadoption of the electronic detonator technology inCanadian mine operations.

Project Title: Integration of Advanced Blasting andInformation Technology for Comminution ProcessOptimization and Greenhouse Gas Reduction in theCanadian Mining Industry

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Québec Cartier Mining Company, COREM, DynoNobel, Rocky Lake Quarry

Achievements:

» Electronic-blasting detonators reduced the run-of-mine ore and rock size by 15 percent in the quarryunder study. The effect is a 5 percent productionincrease in the open pit and a 10 percent energyand operating cost saving in primary crushing.

» The electronic detonator technology was adopted atRocky Lake Quarry in April 2006.

» Model-based process optimization studies indicate a5 percent GHG reduction potential at Mont-WrightMine of Québec Cartier Mining Company in Fermont, Quebec.

» Experimental work started in October 2006 at theQuébec Cartier Mining Company with preliminaryblasting tests.

» Technology tools tested and developed at RockyLake Quarry are being transferred to the QuébecCartier Mining Company.

» Technology improvements were needed due to thecomplexity of the ore geology at the Québec CartierMining Company. Potential solutions were identifiedand the R&D work is progressing.

Green Concrete Makes Use ofIndustrial By-productsPortland cement is the most common type of cementin general use worldwide, and it is an essentialconstituent of concrete. Manufacturing Portlandcement uses about 4 GJ of energy and emits about 1 ton of CO2 per ton manufactured. There are anumber of materials that can be substituted for cementin the production of concrete that do not involve thisexpenditure of energy or production of CO2. They arereferred to as supplementary cementitious materials(SCMs). Using SCMs such as fly ash, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag, and silica fume (whichare all industry by-products) is a cost-effective andefficient way to reduce GHG emissions, minimizewaste disposal, and lessen the pressure on naturalresources. Such substitutions must be carefullyregulated to maintain the quality of the concreteproduced and the structural integrity of buildings.

Although the use of SCMs is generally well accepted by the construction industry, localavailability issues, transportation costs, and buildingcodes limit its use. Furthermore, new environmentalregulations to reduce NOx and SOx emissions fromthermal power plants have lowered the quality of coalfly ash for use in concrete.



This project focused on non-conventional, oralternative SCMs. Considerable R&D is needed tobetter understand the chemical and physical effects ofdifferent types of industrial by-products on theperformance of concrete. The by-products examinedwere from various metallurgical processes (steel, lead,zinc slags), combustion industrial processes(incinerator ashes, ashes from co-combustion ofbiomass), and thermal power stations (bottom andother ashes). Waste glass materials and reclaimedmaterials from previous landfilling operations werealso studied.

Project Title: Performance Standards for Industrial By-products in Cementitious Systems for “GreenConcrete” Construction

Performers and Partners: National Research Council Canada—Institute for Research inConstruction, University of New Brunswick,University of Toronto, Louisiana-Pacific Canada,Alcan Inc., Whitemud Resources Inc.

Achievements:

» Increased knowledge of the chemical processesinvolved during cement combination with alternativeSCMs along with a better understanding of theengineering properties of the final products.

» The final results demonstrate that newsupplementary materials can replace 15 percent ofcement, but it is imperative to assess the cement’slong-term durability for acceptance.

» Generated interest from industry with the publicationof an article and a fact sheet in the Institute forResearch in Construction’s Construction Innovationand Construction Technology Updates newsletters.

» Several research groups and cement manufacturersworldwide are examining this new way of makingconcrete more sustainable and durable.

» The CSA and the American Concrete Institute areconsidering developing new or modified methodsand testing procedures to implement the use ofthese types of products.

Iron Production on Track to 30 PercentEnergy and Emissions SavingsThe iron-making process begins with iron ore mining,concentration, and aggregation into pellets in the sizerange of 9 to 16 mm. The pellets are then fed into blastfurnaces where they are converted into iron. Canadianiron ore companies produce pellets and concentrate fordomestic and international markets. Indurationfurnaces used in pellet production createapproximately 3 Mt per year of GHG equivalentemissions. Many companies have expressed interest inimproving the efficiency of their induration furnaces,especially since the pelletizing operation accounts forsome 60 percent of total plant energy consumption.

This project consisted of three parts. The goal of Part 1was to confirm, through modelling, the potential toenhance the overall efficiency for an actual indurationfurnace operation. The results were applied in Part 2to identify how burner and furnace efficiencies couldbe improved. Part 3 involved preparing acomprehensive report and presenting the findings andresults to the plant operator.

Project Title: Induration Furnace Optimization

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Quebec Cartier Mining Company, COREM

Achievements:

» Refined a model of an optimal flue-gas recirculationscheme to maximize thermal efficiency of aninduration furnace for the pelletization of iron ore,and delivered the refined model to client-partners.

» Heat and mass balance scenarios from the modelshowed the potential efficiency gains for plants,including reductions as high as 30 percent in energyand emissions.

» The plant operator is now using the results of thisproject in the redesign of plant equipment.

» There are considerable opportunities for adapting this proprietary technology to iron orepelletization plants worldwide. Worldwide adoptionwould significantly reduce GHGs and improve energy efficiency.

» Through alternative funding, this project is beingfurther developed to include a detailed retrofit planfor the induration furnace, incorporating flue gasrecycling and heat recovery, with Québec CartierMining Company and COREM as industrial partners.



» Developed and validated a complete set of numerical tools, including a superstructure,separator models, and an optimization algorithm forthe energy-efficiency optimization of hybrid binaryseparation systems.

» Completed a review of the potential application ofthe TGM method in the petrochemical sector andidentified opportunities.

» The University of Ottawa, Iogen Corporation, andNatural Resources Canada launched a joint projectentitled “Enhancement of Bioethanol Productionthrough Process Synthesis, Integration, andOptimization.” The project was awarded a three-year,120K$ per year Natural Sciences and EngineeringResearch Council of Canada (NSERC) StrategicProject Grant.

Using Microwaves to Reduce IndustrialGHG EmissionsMicrowaves, such as those generated by microwaveovens, produce localized heating and thereby providemore efficient energy transfer to reaction processes.When used in the kitchen, the outcome is an energy-efficient way of cooking food—but the potential formicrowaves does not stop there. This projectinvestigated how microwaves could be applied tothree different industrial processes to save energy andreduce GHGs.

Extracting oil from oleaginous seeds is an importantagri-food activity in Canada. However, the processcontributes significantly to GHG emissions.Microwaves can be used to extract the oil incombination with a non-absorbing solvent atatmospheric pressure. Ethylene production is anotherimportant Canadian industry that is energy- and GHG-intensive. A considerable part of the energy expendedin the production of ethylene goes into battling theunwanted production of side-products that coat thereactors and limit efficiency. The project teaminvestigated the potential to avoid this problem byemploying microwave radiation. The team alsoinvestigated the potential to apply microwave radiationin the catalytic conversion of petroleum products.

Chemical Processes Go GreenDistillation processes to separate reaction mixtures inthe chemical and petroleum refining industries accountfor approximately half of the energy consumed bythese industries and a corresponding part of the GHGemissions. This project identified ways to reduce theenergy and emissions footprint through better designof hybrid separation systems that incorporate newtechnologies with traditional distillation. In particular,researchers developed a thermodynamically guidedmodelling (TGM) methodology for designing energy-efficient separation processes that improveproductivity and reduce GHG emissions.

Researchers developed the TGM model for azeotropicdistillation and completed a survey of membranetechnologies and material characteristics suitable forhybridization of water/ethanol columns. Incollaboration with the NOVA Chemical Corporationand the University of Ottawa, these tools were alsoapplied to the retrofit hybridization of the C2 splitterdistillation tower at the NOVA Joffre, Alberta facility.This work involved energy and technology targeting studies and generated a set of scenarios toidentify ways to increase productivity and decreaseenergy intensity.

Project Title: Energy-efficiency Improvement andGreenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in DistillationProcesses

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,NOVA Chemicals, University of Ottawa, University ofChemnitz (Germany), San Diego State University(U.S.), Iogen Corporation

Achievements:

» The TGM approach provides an inexpensive way to assess many opportunities for improvingseparation processes and for selecting economicallyviable retrofits.

» A preliminary design for the Joffre C2 splitteridentified the possibility for a 14 percent increase inproductivity along with an 11 percent decrease inenergy use and GHGs.



Project Title: Microwaves as Greenhouse Gas-reducing Process Tools

Performers and Partners: Environment Canada,Natural Resources Canada, NOVA Chemicals, Bunge,Sairem, McGill University, Saint-Gobain NorPro (U.S.)

Achievements:

» International scientific experts and Canadianpetrochemical, refining, and oil sands industryrepresentatives have shown a willingness to explorea fundamental scientific approach to examinepotential applications of microwave energy.

» Conducted an expanded literature review andidentified materials suitable as reactors or catalysts.

» Designed and commissioned a pilot plant for ethane-to-ethylene conversion, incorporating conventionaland microwave reactors. Incorporating microwavesinto the process should reduce the need for steamco-feed, improve the catalyst performance, andreduce energy use.



Buildings (Commercial andResidential) and CommunitiesCanada’s communities (buildings andtransportation combined) currently account for 50 percent of the nation’s total energy use.Residential, commercial, and institutionalbuildings alone use 30 percent of the country’senergy. The objective of the Buildings(Commercial and Residential) and Communitiestechnology area was to achieve marketableinnovations and industry capacity for buildingsand entire communities to be energy positive andto have net-zero GHG emissions by 2025. Theresearch and development funded under thistechnology area included designing, constructing,operating, and renovating buildings,neighbourhoods, and communities, as well asadvancing the energy systems they used.

Moving Neighbourhood Developmenttoward a Sustainable Energy FutureConventional neighbourhood development missesmany market-viable opportunities for improvedsustainability. Through the pilot of an integrated andexpanded development process—including multipledevelopers, design teams, sustainability consultants,and key municipal staff—the planning and design ofthe Emerald Hills Urban Village in Strathcona County,Alberta, demonstrated the value of this approach inachieving on-the-ground results. Originally developedunder the PERD initiative, “SuN LIVING” guides thedevelopment of sustainable neighbourhoods using astep-by-step approach that transforms broad conceptsof sustainability into practical actions. Its application atthe Emerald Hills Urban Village facilitated acomprehensive evaluation of planning, design, andtechnology alternatives to reduce energy use andsupply renewable heat; collaboration betweendevelopers and the municipality; and increased in-house capacity of the partners.

Project Title: Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood(SUN)—Moving Sustainability Mainstream

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Strathcona County, Christenson Developments,Howell-Mayhew Engineering, University of BritishColumbia—Design Centre for Sustainability

Achievements:

» All developers have committed to building energyperformance levels they had initially thought to betoo costly.

» Analyzed alternative energy supply options, includinga waste heat-based community energy system andsolar domestic hot water heaters, with support fromall stakeholders.

» Amended municipal by-laws to enable thesustainable urban neighbourhood features.

» Strathcona County has integrated the sustainabilityprinciples and evaluation themes into its MunicipalDevelopment Plan and is now requiring all urbanneighbourhood developments to follow a processthat addresses the sustainability principles andthemes outlined in SuN LIVING.

» Christenson Developments is introducing theintegrated design process to its design, marketing,and construction teams, and personnel are beingtrained to move projects in a more sustainabledirection. SuN LIVING will be the process they applyto all future urban village projects.

» BEST Communities, the townhouse developer, hashired engineers trained specifically in sustainabledevelopment to lead its company as far as possiblealong the sustainable development path. One goal isto achieve all net-zero homes within 10 years.

» ISL Engineering, the coordinating landscapeengineer, is applying SuN LIVING to another majordevelopment in Strathcona County.

» The pilot project resulted in the book SuN LIVING—Developing Neighbourhoods with a One PlanetFootprint, a full-colour, illustrated guide describinghow to plan and design sustainable neighbourhoods.

» SuN LIVING is being used as the basis for aproposed credit under the new green building rating system Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) for NeighbourhoodDevelopment. LEED is a highly recognized, private-sector rating system.



Zoned Comfort Technology SavesEnergy during Utility Peaks andImproves Homeowner ComfortResidential air conditioning demands the vast majorityof home energy during summer heat waves. This canbe a contributing factor to electricity grid overcapacityissues such as the one that caused a blackout inOntario and areas of the U.S. in the summer of 2003.Home cooling systems often have twice the capacitythat homes theoretically need. Typically, air-conditioned air is distributed through the furnaceductwork and treats the whole house as a single zone.This often leads to an upper floor that cannot becooled enough while the basement is overcooled to thepoint of being uncomfortable. As occupants spendmost of their time on upper floors, complaints lead toretrofitting larger condensers and higher poweredblower motors to try to cool the upper floor.

Zone Comfort technology takes a new approach tozoning, building automated dampers into the centralair-handling device. This can keep installation costsdown and enable the system, in both cooling andheating mode, to use controls to optimizeperformance. It enables occupants to get the comfortthey want in the zone they are in, while setting backheating or cooling demands in unoccupied zones.Natural Resources Canada facilitated a review oftechnical challenges, researched related marketpotential, and assisted with a field trial involving sixhomes in a Hamilton row-house development. Theproject fast-tracked from the concept board throughR&D to initial commercialization in less than twoyears, and is now in the demonstration phase withsupport from Technology Early Action Measures(TEAM).

Project Title: Optimized Zoning Approach for PeakAir Conditioning Load Shaving

Performers and Partners: Ecologix HeatingTechnologies Inc., Natural Resources Canada, OntarioMinistry of Energy and Infrastructure, University ofOttawa, McMaster University, Canada Mortgage andHousing Corporation

Achievements:

» Ecologix has commercialized a zoned air handler andassociated distribution system.

» Achieved energy performance and demandmanagement improvements in the marketplace.Preliminary results from a few homes indicate thatzoning can reduce cooling energy demand byapproximately 12 to 24 percent during peak periodsof peak days. The current TEAM project willdetermine statistically valid results and considervarious factors of energy use (i.e., summer cooling,summer peak draws, winter heating).

» Sold 77 units valued at approximately $200,000. Inaddition to the environmental and comfort benefits,there will likely be a return on investment forhomeowners.

» Demonstrated the technology at an Open House atthe field trial site in Hamilton.

» Holmes on Homes, the HGTV show, showcased theZoned Comfort technology in episode 7083, “Re-Inventing,” of Season VII, where the system wasused to solve a heating problem for the owners of anew townhouse.

» Successful collaboration among partners.



Solar Power Opportunities Increasingfor Canadian CitiesThis project was launched to facilitate the wide-scaleuptake of PV technology in urban areas as part of anintegrated approach that maximizes building energyefficiency and solar thermal and PV usage. Thetechnology uses PV arrays, commonly called solarpanels, to convert the sun’s energy into usableelectricity.

The project approach involved participating in Task 10 of the International Energy Agency’sPhotovoltaic Power Systems (IEA PVPS)Implementing Agreement. A forum of internationalexperts addressed building, regulatory, marketing,and policy issues concerning the integration of clean,solar energy technologies into the built environment tofacilitate their urban-scale market penetration. InCanada, it made connections between the buildingdesign and development industry and transferred IEAPVPS knowledge and products to Canadianapplications. The project involved producingrecommendations on how to remove barriers to mass-market uptake of solar energy, using expanded tools(e.g., models, road maps, guides), and conductinganalysis relevant to the needs of emerging globalmarkets. The project team also designed anddeveloped system components and applications withthe largest global market penetration potential, takinginto consideration aesthetic values along withmechanical and energy-related value. Throughout theproject, knowledge dissemination was a priority toencourage adoption of PV technology.

Project Title: Facilitating the Uptake of Solar EnergyApplications in Canadian Communities

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems, IEA Solar Heatingand Cooling Annex

Achievements:

» Adoption of integrated design concepts and wholesystem approach by Net Zero Energy EQuilibriumHousing projects—the Les Maison AlouetteEcoTerraTM housing model in Eastman, Quebec andthe Sevag Pogharian Design Associates AlstonvaleNZEH houseSPD Architects in Hudson, Quebec.

» Adoption of integrated design concepts and whole-system approach by Canadian design teams inthe U.S. Solar Decathlon competition in 2005, 2007,and 2009.

» Development of a professional development course in collaboration with the School ofArchitecture at the University of British Columbia andthe Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)entitled “Mainstreaming Building-integratedPhotovoltaics in Canada.”

» Provided training in the professional developmentcourse to over 100 architects in five Canadian citiesorganized by the RAIC.

» Information dissemination (e.g., through peer-reviewpublications, national and internationalpresentations, targeted stakeholders reports, andconferences and workshops) to meet the needs ofspecific stakeholder groups and to promote solarenergy.

Homes Born Ready for Alternative EnergyOver 200,000 new homes are built in Canada everyyear, but few of them are designed to accommodatealternative-energy systems. Although manyhomebuyers may not be ready to install alternativeenergy systems immediately, foreseeable changes inthe energy supply may lead them to retrofit theirhomes later on.

To facilitate the adoption of alternative energy systemsfor residential buildings, the project team analyzedand built homes designed in such a way that theycould easily be retrofitted to allow solar hot waterheating or electricity (PVs) in the future, or both.Certain design features—easy to install when thehouse is first built but more complicated andexpensive to install later—are needed to allow homesto use alternative energy systems.



The goals of this project included learning fromcurrent installations (companion initiatives alreadyunder way with partners), documenting theinstallation practices, issues, and retrofit requirements,and finding common elements that could beimplemented at the construction phase to facilitatefuture retrofitting for alternative energy systems.

Project Title: Alternative Energy-ready Homes

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Doug Tarry Homes, EnerWorks Inc.

Achievements:

» The alternative energy-ready concept has beencommercialized and branded as Solar Ready in asuccessful pilot with Doug Tarry Homes, which builtover 80 Solar Ready homes.

» Feedback from this pilot has been positive, including significant media coverage and interestfrom other builders who want to offer their clientsSolar Ready homes.

» Tartan Homes (not part of this project) now offers Solar Ready for its single-family models.Nearly 50 percent of their clients purchase the Solar Ready upgrade.

» The project team developed the Solar ReadyGuideline, describing how to make homes alternativeenergy-ready. The guideline covers issues such asplumbing and electrical requirements, as well asdesign issues such as space considerations forthermal storage, controls, and panels on the roof.

» The Solar Ready Guideline is currently beingincorporated into the ecoENERGY for New HousesProgram for release in its next program update.Natural Resources Canada is recommending theguideline for all best-in-class programs such as theR-2000 standard and ENERGY STAR for New Homes,including regional programs such as Novoclimat,Built Green, Power Smart, and GreenHome.

The Future Looks Bright for EnergyEfficiency in the WorkplaceLighting is responsible for a major fraction of theenergy used by commercial buildings, and representsthe largest single energy-saving opportunity. Daylight-linked dimming technology, which uses automatic

controls that dim electrical lights in response todaylight levels, has been proposed as a way to seizethis opportunity.

Current daylight-linked dimming technology isdesigned to maintain a constant illuminance (incidentlight falling on a surface) on desktops. This is difficultto achieve because it is impractical to place a sensor onthe desktop. Moreover, evidence shows that constantilluminance is not what people prefer. In fact, the eyedetects luminance (reflected light coming from asurface), and people’s preference likely varies inresponse to changing tasks, sky conditions, and timesof day.

The goal of this project was to develop a luminance-based control system with control algorithms based onbuilding occupant preference. To keep costs low, thissystem uses a cheap digital camera device to providespatial luminance information, allowing control basednot just on total light level, but also on ratios betweenimportant surfaces.

Project Title: Development of a Luminance-basedLighting Control System to Enhance Energy Savings

Performers and Partners: Natural Resources Canada,Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, AalborgUniversity—Danish Building Research Institute, SomfyCanada, Sun Project Toro

Achievements:

» The project team successfully demonstrated that acell-phone camera can be used for reliable daylight-linked dimming control, occupancy sensor control,and window blind control.

» There is potential for further applications becausesuch a sensor can also be used to detect smoke andmonitor the progress of an occupant evacuation.Therefore, the prototype camera-based system canreplace multiple sensors with a single sensor,reducing costs and eliminating the need for complex wiring.

» A human factors study was completed. Resultsshowed that, while perfect automatic daylight-linkeddimming saved 38 percent lighting energy, simplemanual dimming control (that allows occupants tochoose less electric light when daylight is present)saved 25 percent. Manual dimming controls alsoimprove occupant satisfaction.


On the Horizon

On the HorizonThe T&I R&D Initiative explored innovative ideas and solutions to reduce GHG emissions. The results and impactsof the projects supported by the T&I R&D Initiative will contribute to significant long-term benefits for theenvironment and the Canadian economy.

Having met its objectives of advancing promising technologies to achieve long-term GHG reductions andstrengthening Canada’s clean energy technology capacity, the T&I R&D Initiative ended as planned in March 2008.R&D that resulted from the T&I R&D Initiative is being picked up by industry, government, and academia. Newpolicies, regulations, standards, and technologies developed through the T&I R&D Initiative will continue to beused and optimized.

Moving Forward with PartnershipsProgram delivery was built on federal technical expertise in partnership with the private sector, provinces, andacademia. Partners were identified through targeted consultations conducted by the Experts Groups with theExternal Advisory Boards. The participation of non-federal performers and funding partners in R&D projects was anessential component of the success of the T&I R&D Initiative. This participation leveraged costs, added technicalknow-how, and mitigated risks to effectively encourage the deployment of the T&I R&D Initiative’s results. Over840 partnerships were formed during the T&I R&D Initiative’s five-year duration.

Project partners continued to develop many of the technologies forward to the next stage of the innovationspectrum, demonstration, or out into the market. These activities were aided by the T2M program, which assessedthe next steps for selected technologies to identify gaps and opportunities. Assessments reviewed progress madethrough the T&I R&D Initiative, market conditions, and the capacity of the private sector to pick up the technologiesand take them to market. The T2M program component was intended to help establish a knowledge framework thatcould be applied to all T&I activities.

Capacity for Continued SuccessAn important and persistent contribution of the T&I R&D Initiative was the training opportunities afforded for newscientists. The T&I R&D Initiative has contributed to building Canada’s scientific capacity and ensuring that therewill be highly qualified people available to carry out future work. Another essential component of the T&I R&DInitiative’s activities was a dissemination strategy carried out through various means, including publications,reports, case studies, conferences, and workshops to broadcast and support uptake of the R&D resulting from theprojects. These dissemination activities have expanded the knowledge base of Canada’s governmental, academic,and industrial sectors, and will facilitate new discoveries and developments. Techno-economic studies, marketanalyses, and road maps were also developed to identify gaps and research opportunities and to smooth the pathfor commercialization and widespread adoption.

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Partners

PartnersDuring the five years of the T&I R&D Initiative, over 840 partnerships were formed across Canada and abroad. Thefollowing list provides examples of the governmental, industrial, academic, and other partners involved in the T&IR&D Initiative. It is not an all-inclusive list.


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