Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant Winner Announced

Kathleen Gould, a master of science student at Saint Mary's University, is receiving a boost for her career plans in the energy sector.

Ms. Gould has been selected to receive the 2005 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant. The $15,000 grant supports her research into chemical changes in sandstones that affect the quality of natural gas reservoirs on the Scotian Shelf. This will allow Nova Scotia's offshore industry to further understand reservoir management in the Sable sub-basin.

"Nova Scotia's offshore industry continues to grow and develop because of the commitment of many bright Nova Scotians like Kathleen Gould," said Cecil Clarke, Minister of Energy. "We're pleased to help Ms. Gould advance in her career and studies in petroleum exploration, while also helping to secure the future of our province's offshore industry. I'm confident she will achieve great success in our energy sector."

Ms. Gould is a native of Windsor and has completed a bachelor of science degree in geology at Saint Mary's University.

"Our involvement in Nova Scotia's offshore has been very rewarding for Pengrowth and the citizens of Nova Scotia," said James Kinnear, Pengrowth's president and chief executive officer. "The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant is an example of fuelling a secure energy future for the province where our team members and their families live and work. We are delighted to help fund Ms. Gould's research that shows strong possibility to make a difference in Nova Scotia's offshore."

The $2-million Pengrowth-Nova Scotia scholarship fund was announced in March 2005 and includes an energy scholarship for high school students pursuing energy-related careers, and an innovation grant for students at the master's level beginning studies in energy-related disciplines. It is funded by contributions from the Nova Scotia government and Pengrowth Corporation of Calgary, one of the owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project.