Alberta Research Council (ARC) collaborates with Idaho National Laboratory for clear answers on energy options

Powering a robust economy in Alberta into the future is going to take some smart thinking and clear information on all the energy technology options. Alberta Research Council (ARC) http://www.arc.ab.ca/ is collaborating with a top American energy organization, Idaho National Laboratory http://www.inl.gov , to research some of those energy options and provide the scientific and engineering information that will help guide industry and policy-makers through the maze of energy technology alternatives.

The two research and development powerhouses have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a series of energy/environmental research and development initiatives. One of the many concepts the organizations will be evaluating is the potential application of current and future nuclear energy technology within the context of Alberta’s specific conditions and industry applications.

“As a leading research and development agency in North America, Alberta Research Council routinely looks to focus its own efforts and to add to its skills by forming strategic relationships with other credible agencies to benefit Albertans,” says Ian Potter, ARC vice-president of energy. “The MOU with INL provides mutually beneficial expertise that will be critical in the orderly assessment and development of Alberta’s natural resources in an energy dependent world. We are confident that work carried out under the MOU with INL will enable us to provide solid information on these energy options to industry, the public and policy-makers.”

INL and ARC will collaboratively develop an advisory report covering various aspects of potential introduction of nuclear energy into Alberta, for both electrical generation and also in relation to possible interaction in oil sands development. They will pay specific attention to environmental impact, industrial integration and holistic cost-effectiveness.

“Meeting our province’s electricity demands both now and in the future begins with reliable and clear information on all of the available energy options,” says Mel Knight, Alberta’s Minister of Energy. “We welcome collaborations such as the one announced between the Alberta Research Council and Idaho National Laboratories to provide the solid analysis and research on the options available to address Alberta’s unique needs.”

Through all collaborations, Alberta Research Council maintains its focus on finding innovative and cost-effective solutions to industry issues for the benefit of all Albertans, with careful consideration to environmental and economic sustainability. ARC has provided credible, independent evaluation and research on behalf of Albertans for more than 85 years, teaming up with other provincial, national and international organizations to access and contribute to the world’s best knowledge in key sectors.

About ARC

The Alberta Research Council develops and helps partners deploy leading edge technology in our province, across the nation and around the world. Since 1921, our history of success demonstrates that by putting technology to work, ARC contributes to building a prosperous province, securing a sustainable future and maintaining a high quality of life for Albertans.
Visit us at http://www.arc.ab.ca.

About INL

With 3,800 scientists, researchers and support staff, the Idaho National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy systems laboratory that leads at the intersection of science and applied research relevant to identifying and demonstrating future energy options. INL provides technology innovation and risk assessments to government and industry decision makers, based on nearly 60 years of nuclear and energy systems research.
Visit us at http://www.inl.gov.

For more information please contact:

Steve Hogle
Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Alberta Research Council
(780) 450-5050
(780) 293-5050
[email protected]

Bonni Clark
Corporate Relations, Alberta Research Council
(780) 450-5277
(780) 722-8672 cell
[email protected]

Keith Arterburn
Senior Media Consultant
Idaho National Laboratory
Phone (208) 526-4845
Cell 208-351-2999
[email protected]