GE Using Nanotechnology to Green the Alberta Oil Sands

New CO2 capture technology under development could reduce CO2 emissions from the
production of synthetic crude oil from the Oil Sands by up to 25%

NISKAYUNA, NY, June 30 /CNW/ - In the quest to develop more cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels, GE  (NYSE: GE) is partnering with the University of Alberta (UA) and Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) on a $4 million CO₂ capture project supported by the Climate Change and Emissions Management (CCEMC) Corporation.

This team is leveraging cutting-edge research in nanotechnology to tackle two of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the Oil Sands - reduction of CO₂ emissions associated with the extraction and upgrading process, and treatment of produced water generated during the oil recovery.

The technology is based on naturally occurring zeolites identified by UA.  These materials are rocks with molecularly sized pores, which allow small molecules to enter while excluding larger molecules.  Zeolites are widely used in the chemical industry as catalysts, and this project seeks to form these materials into membranes that can be used for high temperature gas separation. The materials also have the potential to be used as filters for contaminated water. The CCEMC is providing $2 million in support of this project, with an equal cost share from GE and its project partners.

Anthony Ku, a chemical engineer and project leader for GE Global Research on the CO₂ capture project, said, "This project is a great example of how partnership between academic research organizations and industry can lead to meaningful innovation. We're excited to be working with the CCEMC and some of Alberta's best and brightest research minds to take an interesting material identified in a university lab and figure out how to build a prototype that will be tested in the field."

Ku noted that the successful commercialization and widespread adoption of this technology could reduce CO₂ emissions from the production of synthetic crude oil from the Oil Sands by up to 25%.

With fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas projected to be a large portion of our energy mix for decades to come, GE is committed to developing new, cost-effective technologies for the management of greenhouse gas emissions.  This technology collaboration is supported in part through GE's ecomagination initiative. Ecomagination represents GE's commitment to deliver new clean products and technologies to market for its customers and society. Recently, the company pledged to double its investment in clean R&D over the next five years from $5 billion to $10 billion.

About the CCEMC

The CCEMC is a not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to establish or participate in funding for initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support adaptation. The CCEMC invests in discovery, development, and operational deployment of clean technologies.

About GE Global Research

GE Global Research is the hub of technology development for all of GE's businesses. GE scientists and engineers redefine what's possible, drive growth for their businesses and find answers to some of the world's toughest problems.

Through sites in Niskayuna, New York; Bangalore, India; Shanghai, China and Munich, Germany, GE innovates 24 hours a day. Visit GE Global Research on the Web at www.ge.com/research. Connect with GE technologists at http://edisonsdesk.com and twitter.com/edisonsdesk.

About GE

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.

For further information:

GE Contact
Media Relations
Todd Alhart
518-387-7914
[email protected]
http://twitter.com/ToddAlhart