For the fourth year in a row, OU has been represented by a team of students in the Alberta Energy Challenge, an international business case competition that focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities within the energy sector. Taking place on the beautiful campus of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, teams research and develop a comprehensive solution to a real world challenge faced by one of Alberta’s energy companies. This year, OU students Stephen Michael, David Ortiz, Blake Saylor and Nick Smith participated in the event.
In addition to the competition, students are provided with the opportunity to tour sites within the region. Cenovus took the group to their facility and gave them an in-depth explanation of their steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process. Due to differences in reservoir formations, OU students do not typically gain much knowledge of SAGD. Visiting with Cenovus gave the group the chance to learn more about this unique recovery process used with oil sands, which they may, someday, work with.
While the team did not advance into the finals, team members all agree that the experience was valuable to their learning and they are grateful to have been able to take part in it.
