Emerging Energy Researcher

Devron Kobluk

"A lot of people take for granted that they have clean air, clean water, and an endless supply of energy. It was the misconception that there was this endless supply of these natural resources that interested me most,” recalls Devron Kobluk. This interest, coupled with 20 years of living on a farm, convinced Devron to pursue a degree in environmental studies.

Now, armed with an undergraduate degree in environmental studies, Devron is almost finished his master’s degree in rural development and is working full-time with an alternative energy company in Manitoba. As an emerging energy researcher, Devron spends much of his time at his desk researching alternative energy policy and legislation and "seeing how alternative energy is developed in different places.” He also searches out different sources for biomass energy (energy produced from organic matter), including solid waste, forestry waste, or agricultural waste. "We’re looking for an organic source that can produce hundreds of tonnes of continuous waste a year to be considered a viable energy source.”

On the business side, Devron is instrumental in developing business plans and helps in the economic planning for the burgeoning alternative energy company. He enjoys the combination of job responsibilities and is well equipped for them. "I have the background in the environment that I need to do the research, plus I have the skills from my master’s to complete the business and economic planning.”

Despite his training, Devron says the amount of information about the industry can sometimes be overwhelming. "The [quantity] of information is directly related to how fast this industry is developing.” He relies on his combined business and environmental skills to sift through the vast quantity of information that comes across his desk. And he doesn’t see the level of information or interest in his industry decreasing any time soon: "With the price of oil at an all-time high, people are looking for cheaper forms of energy.”