Saskatchewan to increase oil production, establishes energy innovation hub in Regina
The provincial government is moving forward with plans to significantly increase oil production in the Saskatchewan. This decision includes funding a new energy innovation hub in Regina.
The Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PRTC) at the University of Regina has long been a leader in petroleum industry research. Now, its receiving $1.5 million in funding to the PTRC for creation of an Energy Innovation Hub.
“The equipment has been refurbished, upgraded. It’s going to allow us to do some new things here at PTRC that we weren’t able to do before,” explained Jeremy Harrison, minister in charge of Innovation Saskatchewan.
“Working with our industry partners with the ultimate objective of actually having more oil that is produced here in the province of Saskatchewan.”
Saskatchewan currently produces about 480,000 barrels of oil a day. The province is looking to increase that by about 25 per cent.
“We have a target of 600,000 barrels of oil production here in Saskatchewan in our growth plan,” Harrison explained. “We are intent on hitting that despite the federal government being incredibly unhelpful in that regard.”
The research will go beyond oil and gas.
“We are looking at all the other energy,” PRTC CEO Ranjith Narayanasamy explained. “For example, we are working on the geothermal feasibility study for the City of Regina aquatic centre, the geothermal facility.”
Other sectors interested in reducing emissions will also become involved – including fertilizer giant Mosaic.
“In the production of potash, a lot of energy is used and you know our goal is to eventually be carbon free and PTRC is a fantastic partner to help us understand new technologies, especially in the areas of carbon capture,” Vice President of Potash Lawrence Berthelet told CTV News.
Initially, the work of the Energy Innovation Hub will be funded by the province but talks are taking place toward also bringing the federal government on board as a partner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bloc won't hold Liberals 'hostage' over seniors' benefits: cabinet minister
Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says the Liberals will not be 'held hostage' by the Bloc Quebecois' demand to expand Old Age Security to more seniors.
Police identify Toronto victim of alleged serial killer
Toronto police have identified the woman who was allegedly killed by a suspected serial killer earlier this month.
Missing father, kids spotted in New Zealand wilderness 3 years after disappearance: police
A New Zealand man who disappeared with his three children in 2021 was spotted on a farm along the country's northwest coast, police say.
No jail time for man who fatally stabbed senior in Vancouver
A man who stabbed a senior to death in Vancouver's Biltmore Hotel building in 2020 has been given a conditional sentence for the killing, meaning he will not serve any jail time if he remains on good behaviour in the community.
Job growth numbers 'good news' in Canada but there are concerns, according to an economist
An economist says the latest job growth numbers in Canada are 'good news,' but he has concerns following Statistic Canada's report.
EXCLUSIVE: 'We were privileged to be friends with our sister': Family mourns murdered N.S. woman
More than a month after the murder of Nova Scotia woman Esther Jones, her family continues to grapple with the loss.
Hot-air balloon strikes and collapses radio tower in Albuquerque during festival
A hot-air balloon struck and collapsed a radio tower Friday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the city's famous festival -- the second time in 20 years that a balloon has come into contact with the tower.
B.C. billionaire posts third large sign criticizing NDP ahead of the election
British Columbia billionaire Chip Wilson has put up yet another billboard message to voters, his third post outside his multimillion-dollar mansion in NDP Leader David Eby's own riding.
Longueuil woman charged after 10-year-old boy scalded with boiling water
A woman from Montreal's South Shore appeared in court on Friday on charges of aggravated assault after allegedly scalding a 10-year-old boy with boiling water more than one week ago.