Dr. Philippe Pasquier, Assistant Professor with the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, received the award for his project titled "Integration of flow in fractured media for modelling standing column wells."

Dr. Pasquier's research essentially focuses on the subsurface aspects of geoexchange systems used to heat and cool buildings. These systems, which can bring about energy savings of up to 65%, harness subsurface thermal energy to heat and cool the structures in which they are installed. The project that earned the award aims to integrate the hydrogeology of fractured media (groundwater flow) into standing column well geothermal systems -- a promising technology in Québec's geological and climatic context.

In a standing column well system, wells as deep as 300 metres are used to exchange heat with the surrounding bedrock. Dr. Pasquier's project will use numerical simulation to show how fractures in the bedrock can generate energy savings and reduce construction costs, currently a major barrier to the more widespread adoption of this green technology.

We congratulate Dr. Pasquier for obtaining the award.