Clean energy research and development and energy efficiency working group

Researchers at the CanmetMATERIALS Technology Laboratory in Hamilton, Ontario, perform a twin-roll casting run on a lightweight magnesium alloy. R&D and Energy Efficiency Working Group partners develop innovative technologies to enable the cleaner production and more efficient use of energy in Canada and the United States. (Photo credit: Natural Resources Canada)

The Clean Energy Research and Development (R&D) and Energy Efficiency Working Group (R&DWG) aims to facilitate cross-border collaboration on priority areas for innovation that will accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon economy. The working group supports a range of joint research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects, and developed a Clean Energy RD&D Collaboration Framework to provide mechanisms to help connect researchers and institutions.

Action Plan II (2012-2014)

Under Action Plan II of the Clean Energy Dialogue (CED), the R&DWG is building on the initiatives from Action Plan I and placing a greater emphasis on energy efficiency. Work under Action Plan II focuses on the following research areas:

• Advanced biofuels
• Advanced transportation
• Advanced buildings and communities
• Energy efficiency
• Marine energy
• Clean technologies

Initiatives carried out under Action Plan II

Subtheme: Biofuels/Bioenergy

1. Better Information on Conversion of Agricultural Biomass to Energy
2. Completion of the Canada–U.S. Algae Resources Co-Location Model
3. United States–Canada Collaboration in Pyrolysis Biofuels
4. Developing an Inventory of Federal Activities relating to the Assessment of Biofuels Sustainability and Environmental Performance
5. Workshop on R&D Collaboration for Advanced Biofuels

Subtheme: Advanced Transportation

6. Lightweight Magnesium Alloy Sheet Development
7. Deployment of Natural Gas in Transportation
8. Transportation Technologies and Fuels Forum
9. Tailpipe GHG and Emissions Characterization from Current Vehicles Fuelled with Advanced Biofuels
10. Researching Green Financing Mechanisms to Reduce Emissions from In-Use Heavy-Duty Trucks

Subtheme: Advanced Buildings and Communities

11. Collaborative North American Modelling Framework for Effective Energy Evaluation and Analysis for Buildings and Communities
12. Comparative Analysis of Testing and Verification Procedures for Anaerobic Digestion and Combined Heat and Power in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Applications
13. Stakeholder Workshop on Advancing Community Biogas Technologies

Subtheme: Energy Efficiency

14. ENERGY STAR® for Equipment and Appliances
15. ISO 50001 Standard for Energy Management Systems
16. Energy Efficiency Building Benchmarking – Portfolio Manager

Subtheme: Marine Renewables

17. Abrasion Testing of Critical Components of Hydrokinetic Devices
18. Bilateral participation at the Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference
19. The IEA-OES Exchange and Assessment of Ocean Energy Device Project Information and Experience
20. The IEA-OES Assessment of Environmental Effects and Monitoring Efforts for Ocean Wave, Tidal and Current Energy Systems

Subtheme: Clean Technologies

21. Review of Transformative Environmental Technologies for Emissions-Intensive Sectors

Action Plan I (2009-2011)

Under Action Plan I of the CED, the R&DWG focused on collaboration on future-generation biofuels, clean engines and vehicles, and energy efficiency.

1. Clean Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Collaboration Framework
2. ENERGY STAR® Criteria and Programs Expansion
3. Declaration of Intent Concerning Cooperation in the Areas of Bioenergy and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
4. Assessment of Biomass Pryolysis to optimize Harvest Value form Mountain-Pine-Beetle-Killed Trees
5. Algal Biomass
6. Lightweight Materials Development for the Transportation Sector
7. Demand Response Potential of Buildings
8. Energy Efficiency Building Benchmarking -- Portfolio Manager Tool