The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering is home to world-class expertise in sustainable mining and energy systems. With support from the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), UBC has partnered with the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) to launch a new project that promotes geothermal innovation and trains the next generation of researchers.
University of British Columbia and Norway build a network to advance geothermal innovation
Powering collaboration through international funding
In 2024, UBC and USN received NOK 3 million (≈ CAD 378,000) from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills funding program, UTFORSK. The funds have supported their new joint project: “Nor-Can Geo-Exchange: Developing Norwegian-Canadian Educational Network for Blended Research-Based Learning in Geothermal Energy”. The project aims to strengthen international collaboration in geothermal energy by:
- creating a joint environment to advance research and training in geothermal energy
- promoting knowledge exchange and curriculum development at the master’s and PhD levels
- leveraging digital platforms to strengthen collaboration and foster deep academic and industry ties
UBC and USN are leading this effort alongside partners from Canada and Norway:
- McGill University
- Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM)
- Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA)
- Universitetet i Stavanger (UiS)
- Norwegian Research Centre AS (NORCE)
- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
How the TCS energized the collaboration
With support from the TCS, UBC and their partners have already achieved significant results. The project has established a Norwegian-Canadian consortium for geothermal energy. It is also creating a collaborative network to train master's and PhD students and is strengthening international ties ahead of the 2026 World Geothermal Congress.
The TCS in Norway and in Canada (British Columbia and Alberta) played a pivotal role in connecting UBC with the right international partners and helping secure the necessary funding.
Their support included:
- exploring UBC’s interest and expertise in geothermal research and proposing the opportunity to connect with relevant partners
- building relationships and facilitating meetings with key Norwegian entities, including the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills and the Embassy of Norway in Canada.
- supporting the grant application process, which led to successful funding
The TCS Regional Offices in Vancouver and Alberta also played an important role by connecting UBC with domestic partners and continue to provide support within Canada’s growing geothermal sector. Their involvement highlights the strength of the TCS network in Canada and abroad, and its ability to build connections that drive international success.
A word from the University of British Columbia
“The University of British Columbia’s Norman B. Keevil Mining Engineering Institute is very appreciative of the support and guidance provided by the Embassy of Canada to Norway. The [TCS] played an instrumental role in identifying areas of mutual interest and also in directing Nor-Can partners towards the appropriate grant application opportunities.”
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