Lakeland College’s Energy Centre is officially open for learning.

As the only post-secondary institution in Western Canada to create an integrated power plant featuring a once-through steam generator (OTSG) for heavy oil training, Lakeland’s students will produce functional energy in the new facility.

Dignitaries, industry partners, students and friends of the college gathered at the entrance of the Energy Centre at the Lloydminster campus for the ribbon-cutting ceremony today (Wednesday, Aug. 26).

“From conception to construction and now the official opening, today’s milestone is the culmination of innovation and progress. By working together, we can accomplish much, and we have. The Energy Centre is proof of that,” said Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president of Lakeland College. “What excites me most now that it’s officially open is the skillset our students will develop in this facility – skills that will enable them to graduate equipped for future success.”

“This new facility is helping students gain the education needed to be successful in their lives and careers and is helping to expand Alberta’s training capacity in a sector that is so vital to Alberta’s and Canada’s prosperity,” said Minister of Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education, Lori Sigurdson. “I thank Lakeland College, industry, and the community for sharing Alberta’s commitment to making skills training more accessible for today’s students.”

Construction of the Energy Centre began in 2013. Instrumental partners who helped make the Energy Centre a reality include the Government of Alberta, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Cenovus Energy, and Husky Energy.

“We are grateful for the support of our partners and industry and for the input of advisory committee members and our faculty,” says Wainwright-Stewart. “Together we are engineering a new future for student-led, hands-on learning in energy and petroleum. Your support is essential to our students’ success.”

Approximately 140 students are expected to take the heavy oil power engineering program this academic year. First-year students started classes on Aug. 10 while second-year students are back on campus Sept. 8. By putting their practical knowledge into practice in the Energy Centre, second-year students will work in teams to produce up to 300 kilowatts of power for the campus grid.