Who we are
OERD is one of NRCan's main instruments for fulfilling its energy S&T mandate. This is accomplished through the Program of Energy Research and Development (PERD), the Technology and Innovation Research and Development (T&I R&D) Initiative, the ecoENERGY Technology Initiative, international collaborations and coordination of NRCan's corporate energy S&T responsibilities.
What we do
The Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD) at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has coordinated energy research and development activities in Canada for over 30 years. It administers NRCan funding for interdepartmental R&D programs which support Canada's energy priorities including:
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- improving the energy efficiency of our homes, offices and industries
- finding practical, affordable alternate sources of energy
- developing cleaner, more efficient transportation vehicles and systems
- ensuring the integrity of Canada's energy infrastructure
- providing economic opportunities for Canada's energy-related industries
OERD does this work in partnership with other research organizations at NRCan, other government departments (OGDs), other levels of government, the private sector and academia. These partnerships create linkages that allow the incorporation of S&T into policy and program development, and make it easier to develop and deploy technology.
Funding
OERD funding for approved projects (approximately $104.5 million for fiscal year 2007-2008) is provided under Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between NRCan and participating departments. These MOUs establish a framework for collaboration, outline the scope of activities supported, the role and responsibilities of the parties, the mechanism to transfer funds, reporting requirements, publications and intellectual property.
The departments that receive OERD funding supplement it with funding from their own organizations. As well, they often work in partnership with the private sector, the provinces, universities, and other research organizations that contribute additional money or in-kind resources to particular energy R&D program areas.
Each OERD R&D program has a manager and a program committee. They plan their energy R&D activities, generally over a period of up to four years, based on such things as government priorities, program evaluations, and long-term strategic needs. For that reason, a request for OERD funding is referred to the program manager working in the relevant technology area and is considered in the context of current R&D activities and priorities.
Employee Directory
NRCan Advisory Board on Energy Science and Technology (NABEST)