Cleaner and More Abundant Hydrocarbon Energy Through Genomic Research: Report

Genome Alberta and the Public Policy Forum recently released a joint policy paper titled Enhancing Energy Production and Environmental Outcomes through Genomics: The case for innovation, which outlines how the hydrocarbon energy sector in Canada can improve production, and environmental sustainability, through genomic research.

In February, Genome Alberta and the Public Policy Forum held a day-long workshop in Calgary to explore the potential of genomics to mitigate the environmental impact of oil and gas development in areas such as tailings ponds, and the potential to enhance energy production using genomic-based tools. The paper is the summary and recommendations from the workshop which included leaders from research institutions, industry, government and non-profit organizations.

“Metagenomic research has already begun to make contributions in dealing with key problems such as corrosion of pipelines and tailings ponds emissions. But, we need to seize the opportunity and build on this success,” said Dr. David Bailey, president and CEO of Genome Alberta, in a press release.

The policy paper suggests that this field is poised to advance energy innovation and serve as a test model for a new, collaborative approach for innovation in Canada.