Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

News

Stewardship

District Energy System

A district energy system centrally generates and distributes heating, cooling, electricity and chilled water to the University of Alberta and associated hospitals. Operating a central thermal energy plant brings efficiencies and avoids 60,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. 

Energy Reduction Master Plan

The University of Alberta’s energy management program dates back to the 1970s. $80 million invested over the last four decades has avoided $380 million in utility costs and mitigated 2.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Responding to significant growth in the use and scale of the university’s facilities, the Energy Reduction Master Plan is the current strategy to keep energy bills low and minimize environmental impacts. Tactics include retrofitting buildings, encouraging behaviour changes and increasing the supply of renewable energy generated on campus.

University Funds Investment Policy


Outreach

Ask An Energy Expert

Anyone can submit a question to Future Energy Systems, and an energy expert will respond in this YouTube video series. Answered questions include: How do hybrid cars work? How is wind turned into energy? Can we create new sources of energy? What happens when an oil well runs out of oil?

Energy Transitions in Canada

This research team, co-led by the Faculty of ALES’ John Parkins, promotes energy transition from fossil fuels toward renewables such as wind and hydroelectricity. Resources include infographics, YouTube videos and other reports aimed at influencing public opinion and policy making.

🔗 U of A courses help students skill up for careers in renewable energy

The Faculty of Extension’s Renewable Energy Technologies Series is a trio of programs introducing professionals to the design of solar and wind power systems. 


Research

🔗 Looking for hot water: Geothermal pilot project marks new era for energy in Alberta

Faculty of Science research associate Jonathan Banks is piloting technology to turn legacy oil and gas drilling infrastructure into geothermal energy production.

Future Energy Systems

Future Energy Systems is a $75 million tri-agency funded research group that develops the energy technologies of the near future; examines the integration of these technologies into current infrastructure; and considers the social, economic and environmental impacts of energy innovations. Their renewable energy research includes innovations in biomass, hydrogen fuel cells, geothermal, solar, wind and smart grids.


notable stories

🔗 Engineering experts, geothermal company partner on project to produce clean energy using captured carbon

Research in University of Alberta facility and geothermal site could lead to made-in-Alberta solutions to reducing CO₂.

🔗 U of A researchers leading new change in battery research

University of Alberta chemists are making new strides in research on a type of battery that could help power the future.