Digging Deeper
December 6, 2026 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Global demand for reliable, safe, and affordable energy is rising at an unprecedented pace, and Canada is uniquely positioned to emerge as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of energy addition. Once an overlooked part of the energy landscape, the subsurface is now central to meeting climate commitments and expanding responsible pathways.
GeoSAFETY (Geoscience for Subsurface Assurance oF Energy TechnologY) will allow researchers to better understand complex subsurface processes and how to design, implement, and monitor large-scale projects using real-world data. The program emphasizes safe, efficient, and ethical deployment of carbon storage, geothermal systems, hydrogen technologies, and long-term waste isolation.
Based at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, GeoSAFETY is among a handful of initiatives worldwide created explicitly to train the next generation of “ subsurface energy specialists” capable of advancing the geoscience that will help shape best practices and inform policy development ensuring long-term public confidence.
Canada’s Advantage
Canada has distinct advantages including favourable geology, advanced monitoring technologies, and decades of operational experience. GeoSAFETY unites these strengths through a coordinated research program supported by industry, research organizations, and government partners.
This collaborative structure ensures scientific insights are connected to operational realities. Partners contribute data, technical expertise, and strategic guidance that directly shape research priorities and allow the team to address core questions about energy transition: How do we evaluate long-term storage safety? Which monitoring strategies add the most value? How do we manage uncertainty? How do we mitigate risk? How do we engage with community stakeholders to ensure that public concerns are addressed transparently?
Collaborate. Innovate. Create.
GeoSAFETY endeavors to help trainees develop both the practical and personal skills needed to successfully navigate complex challenges associated with energy addition. The initiative has been designed to provide opportunities for highly qualified personnel to advance subsurface research through a multidisciplinary framework spanning geomechanics, reservoir modelling, monitoring technologies, data analytics, risk assessment, and regulatory communication. Research is carried out in GeoInnovations Environments, physical and virtual labs outfitted with novel technology, world-class software, and state-of-the-art equipment. Trainees work directly with industry mentors and academic specialists across geology, engineering, computing science, and environmental studies.
The team – known as the Reservoir Geomechanics Research Group or “[RG]2” – is comprised of researchers from diverse backgrounds, capabilities, disciplines, and perspectives preparing for careers in CCUS hub management, geothermal development, hydrogen storage, and nuclear-waste repository assessment.
Vision With a Purpose
By integrating long-term field datasets, cutting-edge modelling, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to training, GeoSAFETY is building the skilled workforce that will shape Canada’s future energy systems. For sponsors, the program offers a rare opportunity to support research with immediate operational relevance and long-term national impact. Through this work, Canada is not only responding to today’s climate challenges—it is developing the expertise required to guide safe, informed, and sustainable subsurface development in the energy transition space for decades to come.