Genome Canada funds research to de-risk offshore oil exploration

“The partners who have come together to support this important research are making it possible for Canada to continue to meet its growing energy needs,” notes Dr. John Reynolds, (acting) vice-president research at the University of Calgary. “Casey Hubert’s novel work is applying our growing understanding of how living organisms can be harnessed for more sustainable energy.” 

Genomics, which combines genetics, biology and informatics to understand the DNA of living organisms, allows sophisticated studies of bacteria associated with hydrocarbons. In the seabed these bacteria can indicate that oil is nearby. Being able to more precisely identify the location of oil reserves reduces the risk for the environment and for industry — allowing Canada to attract over $2 billion for new exploration off the coast of Nova Scotia.

The three-year project, Microbial Genomics for De-Risking Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration in Nova Scotia, is part of the Fifth Round of the  Genome Canada Genomic Applications Partnership Program, which is designed to bring together a range of partners including provinces, private and public sector organizations, and Canada’s six regional Genome Centres. Genome Alberta and Genome Atlantic are the lead centres for this project.

Located in the heart of Canada’s energy sector, the University of Calgary has built a reputation as a global leader in energy research and innovation. With a focus on our low-carbon future, diverse teams are assessing the effects of energy-related processes while harnessing unconventional hydrocarbon resources through the Energy Innovations for Today and Tomorrow research strategy.