April 27, 2006 Source: :
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/04-27-27-2006.html SMU has the energy! Saint Mary’s is playing a key role in helping Nova Scotia take control of the research and development efforts that will help shape the province’s offshore energy future. The Nova Scotia Government announced this morning that it is investing $6.4 million in research and development, new online delivery models and laboratory equipment to secure better access to scientific information and ultimately generate more wealth and energy from offshore Nova Scotia. Dr. Kevin Vessey, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s, represented Saint Mary’s at this morning’s news conference, which was held in the Red Chamber Room at Province House. A number of professors and students in the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s are active in the area of research involving the region’s energy sector. The University’s science building is equipped with cutting-edge technology which allows researchers at the University to conduct unique research in this area. As well, students and professors continually carry out field research in order to probe future possibilities of what the offshore industry holds for Nova Scotians. "It's important that we set our own research priorities and it's important that we make the results of this research public," says Bill Dooks, Minister of Energy. "We know that our offshore is a frontier, that we have great potential but that research around our geology and tidal power is relatively new. By doing more research, we believe we can build better understanding and attract new companies to do business here." Two new, non-profit research associations have been established.
OETR (Offshore Energy Technical Research) will encourage research into Nova Scotia's offshore petroleum geology. OEER (Offshore Energy and Environmental Research) will sponsor studies of a variety of environmental matters including the effects of energy exploration on the marine environment. "Nova Scotia competes on a global level to attract exploration dollars," said Barry Clouter, chair of the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia. "The better these exploration companies understand the region's geology, the more likely they are to come and spend those dollars here in our province." Each of the new associations has been given $2.6 million in initial funding from the province, for a total of $5.2 million. Assisting with the promotion of Nova Scotia's offshore is a $1-million grant to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, which was announced on Tuesday, April 25. The board maintains a large amount of data related to offshore geology in its data archive, core storage and laboratory facility, known as the core lab. The board says it will use the grant to expand its core lab and upgrade its capacity to manage digital information. About $175,000 will be spent on laboratory equipment at the basin and reservoir laboratory at Dalhousie University, which studies petroleum geology. Mr. Dooks said other jurisdictions, including New Zealand and Australia, are pursuing similar strategies. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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