Powering a Greener Tomorrow: SAIT and Imperial Unveil Transformative Energy Innovation Centre in Calgary

A monumental stride towards a sustainable future has been taken in Calgary, as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) proudly announces the launch of its new Energy Innovation Centre, forged in a powerful partnership with energy leader Imperial. This collaborative venture, bolstered by a significant $3 million investment from Imperial, is poised to become a cornerstone in advancing clean energy solutions and drastically reducing emissions across Canada.

The cutting-edge centre, strategically located within SAIT's main campus at its Green Building Technologies and Trades and Technology Centres, represents a tangible commitment to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and energy transition.

It will serve as a dynamic hub for groundbreaking research, development, and the commercialization of innovative technologies focused on decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.

Dr. David Ross, President and CEO of SAIT, emphasized the centre's pivotal role. "This partnership with Imperial allows us to significantly scale up our efforts in applied research for clean energy," stated Dr.

Ross. "It’s about more than just technology; it’s about creating a living lab where students gain invaluable, hands-on experience, preparing them to lead the charge in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. This centre will foster the ingenuity needed to build a low-carbon economy."

Imperial's Vice President, Jon Wetmore, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the mutual benefits of the alliance.

"Our investment in SAIT’s Energy Innovation Centre underscores Imperial's dedication to developing a cleaner energy future and our confidence in Alberta's potential to lead this transformation," Wetmore explained. "By collaborating with SAIT's world-class researchers and nurturing emerging talent, we aim to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that will have a lasting, positive impact on environmental performance and economic prosperity."

The centre’s mandate is broad, yet deeply focused.

Key areas of research will include advanced carbon capture technologies, which are crucial for industrial emissions reduction, as well as innovative approaches to enhance energy efficiency in various sectors. Furthermore, it will explore new frontiers in sustainable resource utilization and next-generation clean fuels.

These efforts are designed not only to generate new knowledge but also to translate research into practical, scalable solutions for industry.

Beyond its research ambitions, the SAIT-Imperial Energy Innovation Centre will play a vital role in workforce development. It will provide students with unparalleled opportunities to engage directly in real-world clean energy projects, working alongside industry experts and academic leaders.

This experiential learning model ensures that graduates are equipped with the specialized skills and knowledge required to thrive in high-demand roles within the clean energy sector, strengthening Alberta’s talent pipeline.

As Alberta continues to diversify its economy and champion environmental stewardship, partnerships like that between SAIT and Imperial are indispensable.

The Energy Innovation Centre stands as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating how collaboration between academia and industry can drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Calgary, Alberta, and beyond.