Focused Efforts

Across Canada and around the world, northern Alberta is known for its thriving resource economy. Our dynamic energy industry drives regional growth and contributes to national prosperity, creating natural opportunities for research collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

NWP’s Energy and Environment research program leverages innovative research approaches and industry and community partnerships to keep our energy industry productive, prosperous, and sustainable. From optimizing industrial processes with innovative technologies to supporting bioremediation and other sustainable practices, we deliver evidence-based, practical solutions to the industry’s most pressing problems.

Across Canada and around the world, northern Alberta is known for its thriving resource economy. Our dynamic energy industry drives regional growth and contributes to national prosperity, creating natural opportunities for research collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

NWP’s Energy and Environment research program leverages innovative research approaches and industry and community partnerships to keep our energy industry productive, prosperous, and sustainable. From optimizing industrial processes with innovative technologies to supporting bioremediation and other sustainable practices, we deliver evidence-based, practical solutions to the industry’s most pressing problems.

Current Research

  • Status: Ongoing
  • Lead Researchers: Lorelle Warr and Dr. Brye McMorran 
  • Description: Our researchers are analyzing trends in serious incidents and injuries across the mining and related industries, including utilities and oil and gas. With the goal of reducing high-risk incidents, they are examining safety solutions used in other sectors of Saskatchewan's industry and in other regions to determine their potential application in the province’s mining sector.
  • Partners: P2INACLE
  • Funding: International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII), Northwestern Polytechnic, and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

Past Research

Microalgae

In-house researcher and inventor Dr. Weixing Tan and his team spent over a decade researching the most efficient way to mass-produce microalgae. Their research led them to build what is currently the world’s most efficient photobioreactor (PBR), a microalgae mass cultivation device.

Effluent and Bio-solids Conversion into Wood Fibre (2009-2019)

Our researchers investigated options for innovative, low-cost and environmentally friendly alternatives for waste treatment.

Reclamation of Oilsands Wetlands by Winter Planting (2011-2015)

Our researchers have determined that planting trees in the winter when the wetland sites are accessible may be the best option to reclaim boreal wetlands disturbed by oil sands operation in Alberta.

Get in Touch

Connect with us about how we can help launch your research project.

Office: E401E

Campus: Grande Prairie Campus

Phone: 780-539-2078

Email: research@nwpolytech.ca