Media Release: REMI - Reducing Emissions through Machine Intelligence

The Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute launches a program to support energy and agriculture companies accelerate AI adoption

EDMONTON, AB (September 30, 2020 ) – The Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) has launched registration for the first cohort of the REMI program, Reducing Emissions through Machine Intelligence. The program, made possible through a $5-M investment from the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system, will enable companies to leverage novel applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for projects that will have a measurable impact on emissions reduction in Alberta. Applications for the first cohort (Energy 1) will close on October 2, 2020. For more information and to apply, visit amii.ca

The program is designed to progress companies, from startups to small and medium businesses to multinational corporations, along the AI Adoption Spectrum, focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects. Applications are now open for the three-phase program:

Ph. 1 – Foundations: Participants gain foundational AI knowledge and create a roadmap for potential AI projects focused on GHG reduction. This programming phase includes hands-on training opportunities and facilitated sessions with a multi-disciplinary team of project managers, scientists, educators and domain experts.

Ph. 2 – Commitments: Companies define, specify and scope a machine learning (ML) project; and mitigate the risk of introducing AI and ML projects into various operations, processes and business lines.

Ph. 3 – GHG Reduction: Teams advance a selected ML emission reduction project to a proof-of-concept model, and upon graduation, can broadly apply new skills and knowledge in AI and ML to further increase business effectiveness in areas outside of emission reduction.

Companies with established GHG reduction plans, technology adoption strategic initiatives, and the corresponding assets, can qualify for advance approval to complete all three phases through an elite pathway. All interested companies are welcome to apply for phase 1 intake with future eligibility determined as the program progress.

“Alberta’s core industries – from oil and gas to agriculture to transportation – have always been on the leading edge when it comes to protecting the environment. We have the expertise right here at home to continue this legacy – and injecting $5 million from the industry-funded TIER system into machine learning to prevent emission is one more way we’re showing the world we are the best and only getting better,” says Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks. “This is just one more way we’re shoring up additional investment and building on the already impressive environmental track record of the sectors that have kept Alberta in business for decades.”

“For nearly two decades, Alberta has held a role as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning research, and now is the time to harness this investment to create opportunities for our shared future. Our mission, artificial intelligence for good and for all, is at the heart of our REMI program. The program is structured to jumpstart and accelerate your company's AI adoption journey while focusing on business areas that positively impact our society,” says CEO Cam Linke.

The REMI program looks at applying AI technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an explicit intention to influence and build capacity in companies as they look to use AI to improve safety, operations, integrity performance, and increase economic earnings in the future in a sustainable manner.

“The investment from the TIER program provides an opportunity to create a community of sector leaders that have shared goals related to environmental, social and cost-reducing performance,” says COO Kirk Rockwell.

“For the Energy cohort pilot beginning in November, the Government of Alberta’s contributions empower us to subsidize participation for Alberta-based startups and SMEs substantially. AI capacity building by industry will have long-term positive impacts on our province’s economic recovery. The REMI program is a vital first step for dozens of energy-based businesses that have weathered a turbulent 2020.”

In addition to the November 2020 energy cohort, applications are also open for the spring 2021 agricultural cohort and the summer 2021 energy cohort 2.

Key Program Dates

• September 9, 2020: Program applications open (energy cohorts 1 & 2 and agriculture cohort)
• October 2, 2020: Energy cohort 1 applications close
• March 1, 2021: Agriculture applications close
• July 26, 2021: Energy cohort 2 applications close

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is a discipline of computing science that allows a system to complete tasks we typically associate with cognitive functions – such as reasoning, strategizing and problem-solving – without requiring an explicit solution for every variation.

Why focus on machine learning?

Machine learning is a set of computational techniques that use data to create models that make predictions about future data. These models independently learn and continuously adapt to changing environments without being explicitly programmed for the data they encounter. Machine learning is a crucial component in many artificial intelligence systems.

Industry is particularly interested in adopting applied machine learning, and investing in advanced research in the field, because of the focus on using historical data to inform future opportunities for systems improvement, discoveries, and augmenting human-cognitive capacity.

About TIER

TIER is an improved way to manage emissions from large industries like oil sands operations and electricity producers, which account for about 65 percent of Alberta's total greenhouse gas emissions. The system encourages industrial facilities to find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology to stay competitive. While TIER protects large industrial emitters and opted-in small oil and gas operators, regulated facilities can comply with the regulation by paying $30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted. This is allocated to a TIER compliance fund, which is then used to fund projects to reduce emissions.

Economic recovery through emissions reduction

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure, we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to protect livelihoods, grow and thrive.

As part of the TIER system under the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Parks, Amii was awarded $5 million over 2.5 years to enhance emissions reduction efforts in Alberta.

In addition to reducing GHG emissions and the continued growth of our region’s AI knowledge and utilization, the project will also have a considerable economic impact. Anticipated impacts include:

• 2 Mt CO2 equivalents reduction in GHG Emissions by 2030
• $110M new economic activity including gains from environmental efficiency, new jobs and business process efficiency by 2025
• 10 - 15 AI projects within companies focused on emissions reduction by 2022
• 10 AI solutions implemented by companies by 2022
• 600+ Albertans trained in both business and technical aspects of AI for GHG emissions by 2022

About Amii

One of Canada’s three centres of AI excellence as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Amii (the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is an Alberta-based non-profit institute that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning and translates scientific advancement into industry adoption. Amii grows AI capacity through advancing leading-edge research, delivering exceptional educational offerings and providing business advice – all with the goal of building in-house AI capabilities. For more information, visit amii.ca.

Media Contact: Spencer Murray, Marketing & Communications

t: 587.415.6100 ext. 109

spencer.murray@amii.ca