October 15, 2010
Fort McMurray, Alberta
An initiative to develop innovative new technologies and techniques that improve operational reliability and increase productivity in Alberta’s energy and mining sector will benefit from federal support.
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced an investment of $150,000 towards equipment that will enable the development of new welding and coating methods that will reduce maintenance costs and enhance productivity in the sector.
“Alberta’s energy sector is the most innovative in the world, and this initiative will help small and medium sized businesses develop exciting new products and services for the global marketplace,” said Minister Yelich.
Energy producers depend on constant improvements in production methods, materials and processes to meet the growing demand for energy. Every measure that reduces maintenance downtime can result in millions of dollars saved, greater annual output and reduced environmental impact.
Minister Yelich recently completed a series of meetings with industry representatives in Fort McMurray, Alberta to explore opportunities to promote innovation and technology commercialization in the sector.
“Collaboration is an efficient way to develop a technical product or service and get it into the marketplace quickly. It’s been our way of doing things in Alberta, and now through Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures we’ve opened even more ways for researchers and industry to work together,” said Dr. Gary Albach, CEO of Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures.
Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF) is working closely with energy producers and suppliers through the Materials and Reliability in Oil Sands (MARIOS) consortium to identify and resolve issues anticipated with material reliability and productivity improvement. AITF will develop technologies as requested by oil sands producers. The technologies will then be manufactured and marketed by local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These products and services will also have applications outside of the energy industry, in areas such as mining, construction, and pipelines.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional informtion contact:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
(Mrs) Sho Sengupta
Communications Director
Corporate Communications
Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures
Tel: (403) 210-5320
Cell: 403 606-7284
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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