January 28, 2011
Calgary, Alberta
The Government of Canada is supporting the capacity of small and medium-sized businesses to commercialize new technologies that will reduce costs, maximize recovery, and bring forth efficiencies in the natural gas industry.
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced an investment of $750,000 towards a project facilitated by the not-for-profit industry and stakeholder association, Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC). Minister Yelich was joined by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for the Status of Women and Regional Minister for Northern Alberta.In addition to federal funding, Alberta Energy is also contributing $250,000 towards the total project costs.
"Every component of this project contributes to building a stronger economy, as our western Canadian businesses develop the latest product innovations to incorporate into the natural gas resource sector," said Minister Yelich. "This project is increasing productivity and efficiency while bringing needed technological advancements to market."
PTAC will direct funding towards construction of the testing equipment, review of the technology and the testing of the pumps, as well as coordination of small business and industry participation.
"Alberta has always shown leadership and supported the advancement of new technologies for responsible energy development," said Honourable Ron Liepert, Minister of Energy for the Government of Alberta. "Investing in cutting edge science and technology initiatives solidifies Alberta's reputation as an energy leader and provides long lasting benefits to all Albertans."
Further, PTAC will provide analysis and business support, as well as provide crucial access to company wells for field testing demonstrations. The equipment will be housed and retained at the not-for-profit Centre for Frontier Engineering Research (C-FER) Technologies testing facility.
"This project exemplifies PTAC's efforts in engaging stakeholders on proactively developing and deploying new technologies as solutions to important and urgent issues facing our industry," said Dr. Soheil Asgarpour, President of PTAC. "We are fortunate that companies such as Cenovus Energy Inc., Encana Corporation and Enerplus Corporation have been proactive in providing people and access to gas reservoirs to facilitate this research that will benefit many junior and intermediate-sized companies."
PTAC's mandate is facilitating innovation, collaborative research and technology development, demonstration, and deployment for a responsible hydrocarbon industry. In December 2010, PTAC added the responsibility of providing seed money for technology projects to its mandate. The shallow gas water pump project is the first project where PTAC has provided seed money.
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 information contact:
Lloyd Suchet
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Lloyd.Suchet@wd-deo.gc.ca
Christine King
Alberta Energy Communications
Tel. (780) 427-0770
christine.king@gov.ab.ca
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000
Dr. Soheil Asgarpour
President of PTAC
Tel. (403) 218-7701
sasgarpour@ptac.org
