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Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Research Report
Reflections at a Time of Industry Transition by DR. RAY GOSINE
by DR. GREG NATERER
Dean, Faculty of Engineering and
Dean, Faculty of Engineering and
Applied Science 2003–2008
Applied Science 2012–2022
Associate Vice President Research –
Vice President Academic and Research –
Memorial University of Newfoundland
University of Prince Edward Island
Since the Faculty of Applied Science was established at
offshore clean energy technology and innovation by pursuing
Memorial University almost 75 years ago, research carried out
strategic technologies beyond those solely focussed on O&G.
by engineering faculty, staff and students has played a major
They will allow NL and Canadian companies to connect with
role in supporting economic and social development in
global offshore energy industries and their deep supply chains.
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) through innovations
Such projects will facilitate proof of concept testing of
related to both legacy and emerging industry sectors in the
Canadian clean technologies such as offshore wind energy to
province. One of the most significant issues facing the world
hydrogen conversion, and also create supply chain
today is climate change. The opportunities and challenges
opportunities for clean technology products and services.
arising for NL are enormous as the issue of energy transition is addressed. The role of engineering education and research in NL remain as important as ever as NL navigates this energy transition and its impact on the economy. Where does the NL oil and gas (O&G) industry fit into a
These projects also afford NL opportunities to participate in world-class energy projects that will employ emerging digitalization technologies. Having such projects in the region will, in turn, have tremendous secondary benefits for a growing NL tech sector that is focussing on technology
world that is experiencing a transition to cleaner energy
innovations for a diverse range of industry sectors and is
systems? It is important to understand that the NL economy,
capturing global market opportunities across those sectors.
and hence entities such as Memorial University that are
Capitalizing on these future opportunities is key to
supported by provincial investments, are inextricably linked to
diversifying the NL economy. Research in the Faculty of
offshore O&G revenues (i.e., royalties and taxes), employment,
Engineering and Applied Science is a key enabler of the
and the broader economic contributions that the province
innovation that is required to compete globally.
needs. This industry is a key base from which diversification can occur and make a transition to a more diverse and greener economy viable. A broad range of engineering research will make it possible for the province to participate in new energy solutions, including making substantial improvements in the environmental performance of the offshore oil and gas (O&G) industry and leveraging research into other offshore energy and resource development opportunities.
The obligations on the owners of offshore O&G projects with respect to research, development, education and training (RDE&T) investments in NL are significant. There is a unique opportunity for this spending to be directed toward RDE&T activities that better position NL on the leading edge of new energy solutions. For example, this could include RDE&T activities related to current engineering research activities at Memorial such as lower carbon energy production,
Consider future projects such as Bay du Nord. Such projects
technologies for carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS),
provide opportunities to establish Canada as a world leader in
wind energy, hydrogen and biofuels.
