Dr. Milind Deo
EGI Director and Peter D. and Catherine R. Meldrum Professor of Chemical Engineering
As we navigate the early months of 2024, I find it imperative to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve embarked upon together. Our collective efforts at the Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) have fostered groundbreaking research and also have contributed to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions, embodying our commitment to an energy-secure, low-carbon future.
Utah FORGE had a particularly remarkable year. The successful demonstration of interwell connectivity was a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of our team. This breakthrough marks a notable milestone in geothermal energy production, signaling promising new opportunities in the realm of renewable energies. The recent spotlight at the Natural History Museum of Utah’s “A Climate of Hope” exhibit is a confirmation of our pivotal role in fostering an optimistic narrative toward our shared energy future. This acknowledgment underscores the broader societal and environmental impact of our endeavors, extending beyond the realms of academia and industry.
Our commitment to carbon management, as highlighted by the CarbonSAFE Phase II award, reinforces our position as one of the world leaders in carbon capture and sequestration research.
Project implementation in the Uinta Basin will provide new opportunities in an area traditionally strong in oil and gas production activity. Another project of note awarded recently is the U.S.-Canada Center on Climate-Resilient Western Interconnected Grid (WIRED Global Center), co-led by the University of Utah and the University of Calgary. This project, funded by the National Science Foundation on the US side, is led by EGI faculty affiliate Dr. Masood Parvania.
We were pleased to showcase our research at the 2023 Annual EGI Technical Conference, which was a confluence of expertise and vision, where industry leaders, researchers, and professionals gathered to share insights and foster collaborative dialogues. The discussions and outcomes of this conference have contributed to our ongoing mission and set a foundation for future initiatives.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to each member of the EGI community. Your dedication, expertise, and vision are the driving forces behind our achievements.