ESTEVAN – Estevan is positioning itself as a leader in energy innovation with ambitious projects aimed at transforming coal into valuable materials such as hydrogen and graphite.
Gordon More, executive director of the Southeast TechHub, and Tania Andrist, executive director of innovation and applied research at the Centre of Sustainable Innovation at the Southeast College, provided an update on the three-year development proposal for Estevan, introduced last March. The presentation took place at the Estevan Chamber of Commerce Coffee Talk on Feb. 5.
More detailed ongoing efforts to produce hydrogen from lignite biomass, which he emphasized as a cost-effective and practical alternative to traditional hydrogen production.
"If you take our coal and gasify it, [hydrogen] will cost a dollar or two," he said, comparing it to clean hydrogen from electrolysis from hydro, nuclear, wind or solar, which costs over seven dollars per unit.
Beyond affordability, More underscored Estevan's suitability for carbon storage.
"Geologically, we are one of the best places in North America to store carbon dioxide," he said.
By capturing CO2 in a liquid state during the hydrogen production process, emissions can be managed effectively, aligning with environmental goals, and the infrastructure is also in place.
"We can put [CO2] into existing pipeline," he added.
More said that the last time he presented for the chamber members, the project was in stage 1 of engineering and since then has progressed to stage 2.
"There are three levels of engineering … Last time we spoke, we were finishing one, starting two. We're now halfway through two," More said.
Estevan's coal is also proving valuable for graphite production, an essential component in batteries, industrial lubricants and advanced materials like graphene. More explained that traditional graphite sources – primarily from China – are facing export restrictions, creating an opportunity for local production.
Research led by Dr. Michael Wagner of George Washington University has demonstrated that lignite coal, due to its organic structure, is uniquely suited for high-quality graphite production. Recent breakthroughs have placed Estevan's graphite among the highest-quality alternatives available.
More announced that Wagner will be presenting the latest findings at a Critical Minerals Conference in Estevan on April 23.
He pointed out that even though the future of coal as fuel is being reconsidered by SaskPower, both projects are still a go, and, if implemented, will help diversify Estevan's economy and make its future more sustainable.
"Crown Investment Corp. that is the legal owner of SaskPower, who controls the coal, has given us two letters that we can give to investors. One for the Coal to Graphite Project and one for the Coal to Hydrogen Project, saying they will still give us access to the coal. There's more than enough coal around for us to continue burning and us to do these projects," More shared.
"The other part is we have letters of understanding from Westmoreland [Mining LLC, operating the mines in Estevan], and we have some letters of understanding for a few off-takers who want [hydrogen] in the States.
"Yes, we were scrambling with other ideas over the weekend [when U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs being implemented on Canada], and we came up with a back-up plan. But the idea is that hydrogen would be used," he added, citing high and diverse demand for hydrogen.
More also noted that SETH will be organizing another SMR supply chain conference this fall. He's been lobbying for the region to have better access to information and needed education, so that local oil and gas-oriented businesses, which, he said are "95 per cent there", could join the SMR supply chain.
Andrist provided an update on the Centre of Sustainable Innovation's role in preparing Estevan's workforce for a high-tech future. She pointed out that Saskatchewan has lagged behind in innovation rankings.
In response, the college launched a computer science training program that follows a "one-room schoolhouse" approach, allowing students of all skill levels to develop digital expertise through real-world projects.
"Each completed project adds to the student's personal portfolio," Andrist explained, ensuring that graduates gain practical experience rather than just theoretical knowledge.
The Centre of Sustainable Innovation's computer science training program students continue to build and evolve this robot, which greeted guests at the Estevan Chamber of Commerce's Coffee Talk and demonstrated the Macarena dance it recently 'learned'.
Another project currently in the works at the centre focuses on developing beading patterns, bringing together innovation and Indigenous culture.
They also have a major project underway, which involves collaboration with SaskPower to optimize solar energy use at Southeast College.
"We have that bank of solar panels that we've built at the college, and we're trying to work out how we can make our energy usage have fewer spikes," she said.
Students are developing a solar data dashboard to improve efficiency, with the hope of expanding the project to other schools across Saskatchewan.
More and Andrist both stressed the importance of local involvement to ensure these projects move forward.
"No one in Ottawa, and we know this all too well, is thinking about how to save Estevan. So, we can go whine about that, or we can just pull up our pants and get on with it," More said, instantly correcting himself and pointing toward Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen, present in the audience, as the only person in Ottawa who cares about Estevan.
Andrist echoed the sentiment, stating, "Rising waters lift all ships ... If we prepare ourselves now, lay the foundation, and continue building on this [network], then we'll be ready for the [future]."
SETH is funded through the federal coal transition fund, however, More noted that they have started to build a foundation for becoming community-funded with money coming from businesses and individuals in the future. The current call for annual support is also aimed at creating a scalable support base, which can help back their proposals, demonstrating community approval.
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