The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) visited Canada to meet with senior government officials and stakeholders in the Canadian energy sector. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, the DoE Chairman, led the delegation that includes Ahmed Mohamed Al Rumaithi, DoE’s Under-Secretary, and members from various divisions in the department, to highlight Abu Dhabi’s success with promoting energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as discuss opportunities for collaboration in energy efficiency and advanced clean energy technology.
As the UAE prepares to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations on climate change next year at Expo City Dubai, the UAE delegation is visiting Canada. Among the conference’s key topics are maintaining climate commitments, ensuring inclusion for all, and collaborating on practical solutions to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. This will ensure a sustainable future for present and future generations.
DoE delegation was joined by UAE Ambassador to Canada, Fahad Saeed Mohammed Al Raqbani during day one. A visit to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) was also on the agenda, where the delegates met with Mollie Johnson, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Natural Resources of Canada, to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the various parties. Johnson also reviewed past and current energy efficiency initiatives in Canada, lessons learned in that regard, and the Federal Government’s strategy to support research and development in the energy sector.
Later, the delegation visited the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, where they met with the Commission’s Vice-President, Peter Elder, and Caroline Ducros, Director of SMR Technologies, who explained the commission’s role and responsibilities, as well as the regulatory frameworks for SMR reactors in Canada in general. DoE delegation showcased Abu Dhabi’s pioneering potential in the energy and clean energy sectors.
DoE visitors then visited the Energy Council of Canada, where they learned about the Canadian Energy and Climate 101 program and the role that the Council plays. A visit to the Canadian Nuclear Association focused on SMRs concluded the day. The delegation met with the Ontario Energy Board to talk about energy market reform and liberalization, as well as its challenges and solutions. Howard Shearer, CEO of Hitachi Canada, hosted the delegates for dinner. This was after a long day of meetings with the Independent Electricity System Operator and the Ministry of Energy of Ontario. Following the visit to Darlington, the delegation toured the Darlington Nuclear Mock-up Training Facility and met with Brian Fehrenbach, Director of Business Development at the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI).
The purpose of the visit is to enhance collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding between DoE and Ministry of Trade and Export Development signed in May 2022, which aims to establish a general framework for cooperation between the two organizations on sustainable energy and CCUS; hydrogen; SMRs, and research and development of cutting-edge and innovative technologies.
As part of the trip, the delegation visited Regina, Saskatchewan, and met with the Honorable Jim Reiter, Minister of Energy and Resources. In addition, the delegation met with the Honorable Dana Skoropad, Minister of Environment. The session was followed by an Energy Innovation Roundtable featuring the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, the Saskatchewan Resources Council, and the International CCS Knowledge Centre. Various topics were discussed, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, small modular reactors (SMRs), and other low carbon opportunities like fuel from waste.
A meeting between DoE officials and Petro Nakutnyy, Director of Operations, followed before the Government of Saskatchewan Collaboration Dinner where delegates joined prominent Saskatchewan officials, including the Honourable Scott Moe, Premier, and the Honorable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export.
As part of the CCUS field tour, an overview of the world’s first fully integrated post-combustion CCS project, the Aquistore CO2 storage project, Whitecap Resource’s carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2 EOR) unit, and security at Boundary Dam Power Station were included.