SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Big win for clean energy at Sask Polytech

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is being recognized for its leadership in sustainability and applied research, earning multiple honours at the 2026 Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Awards. 

Leading the list is the Sask Polytech Energy and Resources Lab winning the Energy Innovation Recognition Award for its work in renewable energy and student applied learning. The award highlights the lab's impact as both a hands-on learning environment and a place where applied research supports a more sustainable energy future. 

Image credit: Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Saskatchewan

Located in Moose Jaw, it's a living lab where students, instructors and researchers can test renewable energy in real-world conditions. Since opening in October 2023, the approximately 1,000-square-foot facility is continuing to evolve as new technologies are added. The lab is part of Sask Polytech's Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE), the applied research centre in the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades.  

Partnerships have been central to the lab's development, beginning with a $1.35 million investment from PrairiesCan and SaskPower, then further enhanced by a recent donation of $800,000 from RBC Foundation that also supports clean energy training.  

"This lab reflects what's possible through strong collaboration between education, industry and community partners," says Dr. Robin Smith, SLICE director. "Together, we're creating opportunities for students while advancing practical solutions in renewable energy. Congratulations to the Sask Polytech team on this well-deserved recognition." 

The lab includes a suite of alternative energy learning modules and infrastructure including rooftop solar panels and a battery storage system. Together, these systems provide a platform for exploring how renewable energy can be generated, stored and applied in practical settings. 

Students in trades and technologies programs gain hands-on experience with renewable energy sources by using the space during classes and for capstone projects. More than 100 students from Sask Polytech programs such as Electrical Engineering Technology and Environmental Technology have used the space. By preparing graduates with the skills needed to support Saskatchewan's transition toward more sustainable energy systems, the lab is helping build the province's future workforce. 

Beyond the classroom, the facility supports applied research undertaken in response to industry needs. Project research in the lab has explored topics such as solar-powered electric vehicle charging and biofuel production from algae. 

"As the lab continues to grow, future plans include looking at how renewable energy can meet growing demand from technologies such as data centres, as well as developing a digital twin of the facility to support simulation-based learning and remote use," says Dr. Graeme Drysdale, research chair, Sustainable Energy Solutions, SLICE 

In addition to the award for the Energy and Resources Lab, several Sask Polytech-led or affiliated projects were also recognized at this year's RCE awards ceremony. 

RCE Education for Sustainable Development awards 

• Enhancing Access to Digital Tools for Indigenous Land Managers 
  A SLICE-led project funded through the New Frontiers in Research Fund program.  
• Hannin Creek (HCEARC) Indigenous Outdoor Learning Centre Recognized for advancing land-based learning and sustainability education through Indigenous knowledge and outdoor experiences. 

RCE honorable mention awards 

• Assessing Industrial and Wildfire Impacts on Regina's Air Quality (Van Khoa Dinh, student project)  
• Capturing Timber Harvest Licensing History in Saskatchewan (Nicholas Charpentier and team, student project)  
• Deep Learning Model for City Infrastructure Management (Quang Vinh Nguyen, student project)  
• Indoor Emergency Mapping (Keyur Lukhi, Mahek Panchani and Quang Vinh Nguyen, student project)  
• LiDAR-Assisted Heritage Resource Assessment in Saskatchewan (SLICE project)  
• LULC Classification of Wanuskewin Park Using GIS Techniques (Sugam Parajuli, student project with SLICE)  
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic Business Applied Research (Nicole Galbraith, faculty project)  
• Urban Alley Revitalization - Prince Albert (Keyur Lukhi, student project) 
• Waterfowl Habitat at Emma Lake (Emmanuel Abraham, student project) 

"These recognitions highlight the range of sustainability-focused work at Sask Polytech. In energy and other areas, our applied research develops innovative solutions for real-world challenges from our industry and community partners," says Dr. Ian McWilliams, associate vice-president, Applied Research and Continuing Education. "Congratulations to all students, researchers and faculty recipients on these awards and for their impactful projects that strengthen our environment, communities and campuses." 

The RCE awards celebrate projects that advance education for sustainable development and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For Sask Polytech, the recognition underscores its commitment to applied learning, industry collaboration and building solutions for resilient communities and a more sustainable future. 

Learn more about SLICE and Applied Research at Sask Polytech.