CALGARY, AUSTIN, May 20, 2026
Energi Simulation, a Calgary-based not-for-profit organization, has committed an investment of $1,000,000 Canadian dollars over the next five years to support research on Sustainable Energy Expansion (EnergiX) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). This initiative builds on the success of the previous program on Carbon Utilization and Storage and reflects an expanded vision to address growing global energy demand while advancing carbon management technologies.
This investment establishes the “Energi Simulation Industrial Affiliate Program on Sustainable Energy Expansion (EnergiX),” which will facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among UT Austin faculty and strengthen partnerships with industry and research institutions to tackle critical challenges in the evolving energy landscape.
At the Energi Simulation Industrial Affiliate Program on Sustainable Energy Expansion (EnergiX), the primary investigator, Dr. Ryosuke Okuno from the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at UT Austin, will lead strategic research focused on enhanced hydrocarbon recovery and carbon management, integrating thermodynamics, (geo)chemistry, transport in porous media, and numerical simulation with industry applications.
The EnergiX program expands research into several key areas:
- Aqueous nanobubble dispersion technologies for subsurface applications
- Enhanced oil recovery methods (gas, chemical, and thermal)
- Geologic carbon storage and alternative carbon carrier technologies
- CO₂ capture technologies using electrochemical solvent regeneration
- CO₂ conversion technologies and integrated carbon management pathways
The program emphasizes practical deployment of research outcomes through collaboration with industry partners and builds on prior successes with pilot testing and real-world applications.
“Addressing the challenges of energy demand and long-term climate change requires both innovation and practical implementation. We aim to develop scalable technologies bridging conventional and low-carbon energy systems. I am grateful for the generous support from Energi Simulation and their active involvement in our research program. Mr. Duke Anderson (President of Energi Simulation) and Mr. Andrew Seto (VP Technology of Energi Simulation) have been mentors for me over the past years, and I am excited to continue this partnership opportunity with them.” – Dr. Ryosuke Okuno
“We are grateful for Energi Simulation’s continued partnership and investment in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at UT Austin. This expanded collaboration will advance innovation in sustainable energy and strengthen our ability to deliver impactful solutions.” – Dr. Matthew T. Balhoff, Department Chair and Professor, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering
“Energi Simulation is thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Professor Okuno and The University of Texas at Austin for another 5 years! This world-class research will help to provide a sustainable energy future for the globe through innovative technology and training. We are proud to play a role in this amazing initiative!” – Duke Anderson, President, Energi Simulation
About Energi Simulation
Founded in 1978, Energi Simulation promotes and financially supports research and graduate students through research grants at universities. The company’s mandate is to invest in leading-edge research and innovation in energy resource modelling. Energi Simulation partners with universities, governments and industry sponsors to drive unique multi-year support of student education and world-leading researchers at universities in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia-Pacific region. Energi Simulation is a not-for-profit company registered in the province of Alberta, Canada.
About The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader in global education, supporting more than 55,000 diverse students and nearly 5,000 faculty members across 18 colleges and schools. As a top-tier research institution, UT Austin now attracts over $1.37 billion annually for discovery. Set against the backdrop of Austin—a city famous for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit—the university is a premier destination for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, and engineers to explore boundless opportunities.