The Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF) finances environmental research aimed at tackling significant challenges in air quality, ecosystems, land reclamation, water resources, and the closure of wells associated with conventional oil and natural gas operations. The AUPRF program is entirely funded on a voluntary basis by Alberta’s oil and natural gas operators, while Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC) serves as an impartial third-party administrator. Under the AUPRF program, industry collaborates with policymakers and regulators to identify and prioritize research requirements. The program is supported by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC).
Projects under AUPRF must be relevant to operators in Alberta, however, the projects could be applicable to other jurisdictions and do not necessarily have to be conducted in Alberta.
AUPRF provides support for applied research that undergoes peer review, contributing to the expansion of knowledge, informed decision-making, and the resolution of high-priority issues affecting the industry’s environmental footprint. The research projects within AUPRF are conducted by consultants, university researchers, operators and government scientists. The comprehensive and unbiased reports resulting from this research highlight areas for improvement and offer practical and cost-effective solutions.