Energi Simulation, a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering global energy innovation, has renewed its financial commitment to the Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair in Subsurface Energy Data Science at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. This renewed sponsorship totals CAD 1,000,000 (approximately USD 724,000) and spans a five-year period. The Chair is held by Professor Behnam Jafarpour, an esteemed authority in data science and computational geoscience within the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Initially established in 2016 and extended in 2022, this Chair has played a pivotal role in advancing research in the energy sector.
Over the past nine years, a total funding of CAD 2.30 million (around USD 1.75 million) has enabled a dedicated research team to explore the application of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning in enhancing subsurface energy systems. These systems include critical areas such as carbon dioxide storage and geothermal energy. Under Jafarpour’s guidance, significant strides have been made in real-time subsurface modeling, the development of innovative AI tools for carbon dioxide monitoring, and the education of upcoming leaders in the energy research field, thereby establishing a strong foundation of talent in subsurface energy.
Collaboration with CO₂-SMART Center
The Chair’s emphasis on addressing the research needs of the industry has significantly contributed to the establishment of the CO₂-SMART Center, a collaborative research initiative involving multiple universities, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Utilizing the foundational research and industry connections developed through the Energi Simulation Chair, the USC-led team successfully obtained NSF backing to launch this center, which focuses on the safe, scalable, and cost-efficient implementation of geologic CO₂ storage technology.
“We are innovating advanced AI-driven tools to enhance prediction and decision-making within subsurface systems,” stated Jafarpour. “By merging physics-based modeling with machine learning, we aim to deepen our understanding and management of intricate processes related to carbon storage, geothermal energy, and sustainable resource development.” The renewed funding will enable the project to expand its influence over the forthcoming five years.
Future Directions in Energy Research
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the program is set to further develop innovative methodologies for understanding and managing subsurface systems. This advancement will leverage AI, data science, and specialized knowledge to create smarter and more sustainable energy solutions. Jafarpour emphasizes that graduate students and early-career researchers are central to these efforts, fueling innovation and guiding the evolution of the discipline. “We will maintain support for a robust group of PhD researchers who are pivotal to our innovation initiatives,” he noted. “Additionally, we are enhancing collaborations with industry to ensure our research meets practical demands.”
The program’s focus aligns well with other significant efforts within the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, such as the Ershaghi Center for Energy Transition (ECET). This center tackles a wide range of research topics related to energy resources, decarbonization, and sustainability, fostering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, the newly established School of Advanced Computing at USC Viterbi is integral to advancing AI applications in energy, particularly in enhancing energy systems and ensuring that energy infrastructure meets the increasing computational needs of AI.
Excitement for Future Innovations
These vital synergies create a solid foundation for the Chair program to accelerate innovation, enhance its impact, and contribute to the development of intelligent and sustainable energy solutions that are essential for both the energy transition and the future of AI. “I’m very eager about this next phase,” Jafarpour enthused. “Revamping our energy systems necessitates innovative thinking and cutting-edge technologies like AI, which in turn relies on sustainable energy solutions for optimal performance. With the ongoing support from Energi Simulation, we are in a prime position to spearhead advancements at the convergence of AI and energy science while educating the next generation of leaders in these fields.”
Duke Anderson, president of Energi Simulation, expressed satisfaction with the renewed partnership with USC and Professor Jafarpour. “Their work embodies our mission of supporting transformative research that confronts global energy challenges.”
About USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Founded in 1905, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering was named in 2004 in honor of Andrew Viterbi, an alumnus who developed a groundbreaking algorithm that connects the world, and his wife, Erna. Situated in Los Angeles—a global hub for arts, technology, business, and innovation—USC Viterbi attracts students from across the globe, boasting over 10,000 students and a faculty of around 400. With a mission to engineer a better world for humanity, USC Viterbi is consistently recognized among the top engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report, exemplifying the transformative power of engineering to promote discovery and solutions across diverse disciplines.
About Energi Simulation
Established in 1978, Energi Simulation is dedicated to promoting and funding research and graduate student initiatives through university research grants. The organization focuses on investing in cutting-edge research and innovation in energy resource modeling, collaborating with universities, governments, and industry sponsors to provide unique, multi-year support for student education and leading researchers across Europe, North America, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Energi Simulation operates as a not-for-profit entity registered in Alberta, Canada.
