Research area: Systems analysis, modelling and simulation

We develop tools and frameworks for the assessment of prospective technology options and their policy implications from a life cycle perspective. We work with scientists, engineers, and members of the business community who are developing new energy technologies, to develop and refine techniques for prospective life cycle assessment (LCA). These techniques help prioritize research and development activities, by identifying technologies – or optimal combinations of technologies – that would provide particularly large life cycle benefits. 

Research sub-areas

Assessment of early-stage technologies​

This research area studies the pathways to clean energy systems, and relevant technologies, by conducting LCA and techno-economic assessments of forecasted energy system scenarios. The LCA tools used in this research include a sensitivity and probability analysis, technological development and learning rates, and various what-if analyses to demonstrate both realistic and more extreme cases. An example of the early-stage technologies that we study in our group is the 3rd generation perovskite-based solar cells, and its impact on a photovoltaic deployment scenario, on meeting Alberta’s 30% renewable energy by 2030 target. Another example is algal technology and  different pathways of converting algae to multiple products and for CO2 mitigation. 

Faculty members: Hector De La Siegler, Joule Bergerson, Sean McCoy​

Carbon conversion technologies

This research area investigates the potential impacts and benefits of carbon conversion technologies, such as electrolysis, mineralization, and bioconversion. An open-source excel-based LCA tool is being developed, which provides a life cycle framework to help evaluate diverse categories of technologies and their useful products. The life cycle carbon emissions of energy storage technologies for seasonal storage is being evaluated, a key barrier for the expansion of renewable energy sources, especially in Northern communities.  

Faculty members: Joule Bergerson, Sean McCoy​

(Petro)chemical industry and circular economy​

This research area studies cradle-to-gate LCA to produce some of the major thermoplastics. It studies the currently used processes and scope of recycling and substitution with renewable feedstocks for reducing emissions. 

Faculty members: Joule Bergerson

Petroleum systems​

We estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption of oil sands, tight oil, natural gas, liquid natural gas and refinery operations. We have developed the open-source Petroleum Refinery Life Cycle Inventory Model (PRELIM), which estimates GHG emissions and energy consumption of refinery processes and are constantly improving the model by adding more processing units and stream flows and analyzing GHG emissions variations caused by the change of carbon contents in fuels. 

Faculty members: Joule Bergerson

Power systems

This research area makes use of energy system modeling to assess implications of behavioral and technological changes, as well as energy policy in Alberta’s transportation sector, fuels market, and emissions released.​

It also uses the Alberta electricity system as a case study to determine how marginal changes in the supply/demand balance affect the spot price and GHG emissions. 

Faculty members: Joule Bergerson

Expertise

  • Chemical process design and simulation

  • Life cycle assessment of which industries and other systems

  • System level analysis​