NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Petroleum Thermodynamics

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Canada is the fifth largest hydrocarbon energy producer in the world. The upstream sector is the largest private sector investor in Canada. Capital spending in the industry totalled $54 Billion in 2008, and payments to governments in royalties, fees and taxes were $26 Billion. The total employment impact exceeds half a million people and is expected to double by 2050 (Source: Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers). This ongoing success is based on hydrocarbon resources such as bitumen and heavy oil and industrial processes we still do not fully understand. Each insight regarding the fundamental behaviours and properties of bitumen, heavy oil, and reservoir fluids spurs innovation in production, transportation and refining, reduces industry costs and environmental impacts, and increases revenues, all contributing materially to the Canadian and the global economy. The impact of pure and applied research and development is significant. Greenhouse gas emission intensity, a key indicator of process knowledge, has decreased 40 % over the past 20 years.