Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant Winners Announced

Four masters students from Dalhousie University are receiving a boost for their career plans in the energy sector.

Michael Giles, Clarke Campbell, Jonathan Cribb and Cody MacDonald have been selected as recipients of the 2007 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant. The research grant, valued at $15,000 over two years, is awarded to Nova Scotia students pursuing energy-related studies at the masters degree level.

All four earth science students are focusing their research on topics related to Nova Scotia's offshore geology.

"We're pleased to be able to partner with Pengrowth to help these bright students achieve their academic goals and advance in the province's energy sector," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Energy. "I am confident these research projects will help us gain a better understanding of the province's offshore and in return bring us greater success."

"The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant is a great example of government and industry at their best, working together to secure a strong future for Nova Scotia's energy industry and its people," said James Kinnear, Pengrowth president and chief executive officer. "We are delighted to help these students who have the potential to make a real difference in Nova Scotia's offshore."

The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant was established in 2005, as part of the Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship program. Up to four Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grants are rewarded each year. Pengrowth, one of the owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project has contributed $2 million to the program and the province contributed $1 million. The program also provides up to 21 undergraduate and trades scholarships annually. Also, in October this year, additional funding was allocated from the program to create a Professorship in Petroleum Financial Management at Saint Mary's University.

The deadline for the 2008 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant is Jan. 25, 2008. For application forms or for additional information on the scholarships or petroleum innovation grant, please see the Nova Scotia Department of Energy website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .