Canada, Saskatchewan to invest in clean oil and gas recovery

The federal and provincial governments are each contributing about $404,000 for three initiatives through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

Under the projects, the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) and the University of Regina will focus on three clean technology projects that could increase efficiency of oil and gas production, and reduce its environmental impact.

With the funding, the University of Regina will purchase and install laboratory equipment to develop new membranes and filtration systems to decontaminate produced water, a by-product of oil and gas production.

The PTRC will refurbish a separator unit and construct field test trailer units to sample produced water in field locations for reclamation and re-use, potentially in agricultural irrigation or other industries.

Vianne Timmons, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Regina, said: "The funding committed today by our federal and provincial government partners demonstrates the value of government, industry and academic collaborations in finding solutions to meet challenges in the energy industry."

Posted by Joseph Hutton