Power Kinetic Networks (PKN)
Gary Nikiforuk had a passion for science throughout his youth and high school years. Once graduated, the route to completing his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta was a natural next step.
He gained over 10 years of experience working with a large energy company. Gary then ran his own consulting business, and transitioned to starting, building, and selling private oil and gas companies and assets.
He didn’t know any chemical engineers growing up, but knew the energy industry fit his aptitude, “It was a fantastic career choice, and here we are today.”
Eventually it became clear that Nikiforuk wanted to start a Cleantech business — one that is relevant and impactful. He and his business partner officially launched Power Kinetic Networks (PKN) in 2019, with a strong focus on carbon capture and reducing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“Meeting net zero by 2050 requires a lot of technology and resources, while at the same time providing affordable and reliable energy to eight billion people” says Nikiforuk. “A key thing was identifying the market niche and the problems people have with addressing Greenhouse gas emissions, and then finding solutions.”
PKN performed a review of existing technologies and resources that address GHG emissions and the associated environmental issues. With a background in energy and oil and gas, they saw there were needs that weren’t being fulfilled, leading them to develop their own technology.
Project Gemini is their proprietary carbon capture technology that helps businesses and organizations address their GHG emissions and meet their sustainability goals. PKN technologies are focused on low environmental impacts — a goal was to not create an environmental issue while solving another one. It was recently confirmed that Project Gemini will be utilized by Enerplus Resources (USA) Corporation to decarbonize well pads in the North Dakota Williston Basin.
“Partnerships like this are important when solving such large-scale issues. The key is to build a network of people, who are like-minded and have similar goals and aspirations to tackle these problems,” says Nikiforuk.
PKN and Enerplus have worked together for well over a year now. They’ve built a relationship on innovation and trust. Nikiforuk says Enerplus is a progressive company with an approach to tackling their emissions, and PKN is just the company to work with a group with that mindset.
“There’s always room for solutions, and what we’re finding in our travels is people are interested in what we’re doing. This work is very fulfilling when you look at the large and challenging issues you’re trying to address,” says Nikiforuk.
After living west of Calgary in Bragg Creek for over 20 years, Nikiforuk and his wife decided to make the move to Medicine Hat in the spring of 2022. Since then, they’ve received strong support from Apex Alberta and Alberta Innovates. This network was able to direct Nikiforuk and PKN to suitable services and resources in the region.
“It’s been a really friendly experience being here and it’s a beautiful place to live. PKN is full circle for me, because when I was in University my fourth-year project was actually on carbon capture, and here I am today, looking at similar issues with different technologies,” says Nikiforuk.
Nikiforuk notes the funding in part for Project Gemini was received from a $1 million grant awarded by the North Dakota Industrial Commission and North Dakota Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. PKN and Enerplus wish to acknowledge the support of the North Dakota Government and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation with this innovative project.
Read more about the partnership with the press release.