IMII’s Alternative Energy Systems Innovation Challenge Advancing solutions for Saskatchewan’s potash producers The AES Innovation Challenge The International Minerals Innovation Institute’s (IMII’s) Alternative Energy Systems Innovation Challenge is a new
field trial-ready solutions in a way that reduces the time, costs, and risks associated with pulling new solutions out of the supply chain and into use in operations.
initiative of the IMII. This challenge presents innovators
This program aims to reach several advanced technology
with a unique opportunity to advance their technology
companies. By participating in the program, these technol-
solution for the minerals sector by working with Saskatch-
ogy companies are expected to accelerate commercializa-
ewan’s leading minerals companies, including potash pro-
tion and increase the sales of their technology. Through
ducers K+S Potash Canada GP, The Mosaic Company, and
direct access to customers and collaborators, technology
Nutrien Ltd., as well as potash developer BHP Canada. IMII
companies could advance and deploy their solution, be
has allocated up to $500,000 Canadian dollars to support
supported with best practices for scaling up technology,
selected project proposals. In association with its industry
and leverage funding by having the value and relevance of
members, the IMII will decide how many solutions may be
their innovation demonstrated.
selected for this Innovation Challenge and whether the total funding will be distributed to one, two, or a combination
Timelines
of innovators.
IMII’s AES Innovation Challenge was launched in October
The Innovation Challenge is designed to advance the successful proponent(s) proposed solutions to be field-trial ready within two years, and to help meet the technology development and adoption needs of the minerals industry with respect to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This Innovation Challenge presents a strong opportunity for innovators to leverage additional funding from other sources and outside investment, while working more closely with prospective minerals producers to demonstrate their technology in a customer’s facility.
How the challenge works The Innovation Challenge is designed to meet an operational, environmental, and value-added high priority of the minerals sector by identifying and preparing field trialready solutions. By participating in the challenge, innovators and potash producers could potentially achieve effective results, faster and cheaper, while building new supply chain alternatives for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge is designed to ensure a focus on delivering
42 PotashWorks 2021
and applications were due November 20th, 2020. A technical review team made up of industry and business development professionals will score the applications and invite short-listed proponents to present early in 2021. Up to five technologies will be selected to participate in an “innovation sprint” over the remainder of 2021, during which their technologies will be supported to move down the path to commercialization, allowing the industry to select a winner by year’s end. The winning technology and company will then have access to a mine and/or mill to demonstrate that the technology could be deployed at scale and meet operating requirements. “Developing and adopting low-carbon and resilient technology is a key component of any meaningful plan to address the challenges represented by climate change,” says Al Shpyth, IMII’s executive director. “Innovation challenges have proven to connect technology development with technology adoption. IMII’s Alternative Energy Systems Innovation Challenge will help to advance technologies that support emissions reductions and lower industry’s fuel and electricity costs while maintaining the province’s energy resiliency.” s
