Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute

CETRI centralizes all low-carbon and carbon-free clean energy research activities at the University of Regina (U of R). Areas of research focus include decarbonization and zero-emission hydrogen (H₂) technologies, carbon (CO₂) capture and utilization, and waste-to-renewable fuels and chemicals. Bringing together one of the most dynamic teams of researchers, industry leaders, innovators, and educators in the energy field, CETRI’s mission aligns with the Environment & Climate Action areas of focus in the University of Regina’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.

At CETRI, we adopt a comprehensive approach to clean energy research that includes feasibility & proof-of-concept studies, bench-scale & pilot-plant testing, process simulation & optimization, and pre-commercial demonstration. We offer technical, scientific, and hands-on learning opportunities for existing and prospective researchers in a diverse and inclusive environment. Our labs and facilities are also utilized to provide analytical services to external clients. We not only develop our own technologies, but our labs, pilot facilities, and expertise are utilized to test and analyze technologies developed by external clients.

How is CETRI different?

CETRI is a one-stop hub for state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge research geared at providing energy development and management solutions. CETRI provides professional hands-on training, analytical services, and technical advising carried out by a well-rounded team of researchers. Our world-class facilities include a skid-mounted field demonstration hydrogen plant, a multi-purpose carbon capture technology development plant, and various gas absorption pilot plant units for testing high-efficiency catalyst-aided carbon capture systems. We have different sizes of absorption and regeneration towers packed with a variety of high-performance packings.

Our Research

We provide state-of-the-art technologies that enable cutting-edge research into efficient and environmentally friendly forms of energy. Our world-class facilities include field demonstration units, a multi-purpose technology demonstration plant, and gas-treating pilot plants designed to test high-efficiency technologies, including high-performance tower packings and membrane absorption units. We have one of the only hydrogen research pilot plants in Canada, which – in combination with our carbon capture facilities – enables experimental studies into efficient, feed-flexible blue hydrogen production.

Our Technologies

Publications

Facilities

Lab Safety

Our Services

We offer professional hands-on training, analytical services, professional training, and technical advising carried out by a well-rounded team of researchers. We provide testing facilities that simplify and improve the operational efficiency of various renewable bio-energy and net-zero energy production systems.

Pilot Plant Testing

Analytical Services

Hands-on Training

Professional Courses and Certifications

The Canadian Energy Transition Hub (CETH)

Canada is at a crossroads. It must move to a new, low-carbon energy future as part of meeting the nation’s climate change goals. To do so will require much greater collaboration and coordination between researchers, industry, government, and Indigenous nations.

The Canadian Energy Transition Hub (CETH) at the U of R will serve as a focal point in creating the alliances we need to foster collaboration, and will be at the forefront of research, application, and expansion of low-carbon energy.

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$1.15M Funding by the Government of Saskatchewan to support MITACS researchers

On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, CETRI welcomed the Government of Saskatchewan and Mitacs to the University of Regina. The Government of Saskatchewan announced a continued collaboration with Mitacs through a $1.15M/year partnership. Advanced Education Minister Honourable Gordon Wyant made the announcement with Mitacs Chief Business Development Officer Dr. Tash Ismail, University of Regina President Dr. Jeff Keshen, CETRI Director Dr. Hussam Ibrahim and Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Abdinoor Jelle.

Following the announcement, Director Ibrahim led the guests on a tour of the pilot plant and laboratory facilities that are advancing clean energy research, development and demonstration technologies at the University of Regina. The event concluded with a round table event where participants learned from Mitacs interns and partner organizations about the innovative value of Mitacs’ programs.

Learn more about the Partnership

Modular Carbon Capture & Storage (MCCS) Technology wins Sustainability Award

Entropy Inc. has been recognized with the Sustainability Award at the 2022 Hydrocarbon Processing Award Gala, validating the key contribution its Modular Carbon Capture & Storage (MCCS) technology – developed in partnership with CETRI – stands to make in the rapidly emerging carbon capture sector.

CETRI’s key contribution, tapping into its decades of experience in amine development, is the novel, high-performance solvent (Entropy23™). Entropy23™ features faster reaction kinetics, high CO2 capture efficiency, lower heat of regeneration, and lower solvent degradation rate when compared to MEA solvents.

Entropy’s first commercial project at the Glacier Plant is designed to capture and store approximately 200,000 MTPA in two phases from gas-fired compressor engines, began construction in 2021 and the first phase (50,000 MTPA) will be commissioned in Q2 2022. Entropy’s MCCS technology is expected to require half the energy and provide nearly double the capture performance versus conventional technologies.

Recognition of Entropy’s MCCS technology is a testament to the capabilities of both Entropy and CETRI, and to the value that can be gained from collaboration between Canadian industry and world-class Canadian energy research.

Learn more about the award

Learn more about Entropy23 technology

Infrastructure and research funding provided by sponsors including:

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council