Chairholders
Profile
Nader Mahinpey
Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
University of Calgary
Chair title
NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Novel CO2 Capture Technologies for Oil Sands Operations
Chair program
Industrial Research Chairs program
Role
Senior Chairholder since 2015
Summary
The main goal of this proposed NSERC Industrial Research Chair is the development of innovative carbon capture technologies that will result in economically viable capture processes to address some of the major challenges associated with emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas (GHG), in Canada. Working in collaboration with industry (CNRL and Devon) and government partners (CanmetENERGY), the research program’s long-term objective is to develop sustainable carbon capture technologies that are ready for commercialization and sufficiently cost-effective for industry implementation. The vision of this partnership is to gain the know-how to fabricate new solid sorbents that can be used for CO2 separation from flue gas and oxygen carriers for a chemical looping combustion process that delivers sequestration-ready CO2 from fossil fuel combustion.
CO2 emissions will continue to increase until highly innovative technologies are developed to a mature stage in the distant future. Therefore, Canada will need cost-effective post-combustion capture technologies that can be retrofitted for existing operations. This is as critical as developing eco-friendly energy generation processes for the oil sands and for the fossil-fuel-based power-generation industries.
Dr. Mahinpey’s national and international track record in GHG technologies eminently qualify him for this position. To build further upon Dr. Mahinpey’s successful research in this area and take CO2 capture research to the next stage, a collaborative effort and investment is required, involving a partnership among industry, university, and governmental institutions, to establish a unique program.
The expected results of this work will benefit Canada’s economy through sustainable, economically viable GHG control technologies and the training of highly qualified personnel in the natural resources and energy sectors. Potential users of these new materials and technologies are in the industrial energy sector, including oil-and-gas and power-generation companies. Industry has recognized the potential importance and impact of our research activities to decrease carbon footprints.
The proposed low-temperature carbon-capture technology and the clean production of thermal energy and electricity by chemical looping combustion of natural gas is needed for Canada’s oil sands industry. The novel materials developed through this program will offer a new approach for both carbon capture technology and clean energy production. This made-in-Canada solution will have a large international market to which we can export both our technology and know-how for the benefit of Canada and the world.
Contact information
Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta
T2N 1N4
Tel.: 403-210-3943
Fax: 403-284-4852
Email: nader.mahinpey@ucalgary.ca
